Texas 10 Most Wanted Program Captures Record Number of Fugitives

The 34 people captured in 2021 include 12 gang members, 17 convicted sex offenders, 14 who were captured within just two months, from Oct. 13 through Dec. 13.

Texas 10 Most Wanted Program Hits Record Number of Captures

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is pleased to announce that in 2021, it broke its previous record for the "Most Fugitives Captured In A Calendar Year." The last time there were this many put in custody was back in 2013, when a total of 32 of "The Most Wanted Fugitives" were put behind bars.

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LOOK: These Fugitives Some Captured Others Are Wanted

Additionally, just over $71,500 dollars was paid out just in rewards from anonymous tips that resulted in all 34 arrests in 2021 alone.

“The public plays an integral role in the captures of these offenders, ensuring we have a successful Texas 10 Most Wanted Program and making our communities, and all of us, safer,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “I’m proud of this program and would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners who helped successfully bring these criminals to justice.”

The DPS Says They Worked With Local, State, Federal, And Mexican Authorities

Fred Biddle with the Abilene Department of Public Safety says that "this is the highest number of Most Wanted Offenders we've ever captured in a single year since the program began back in 1993." Why the huge success? Biddle says "It's because the Texas DPS, in cooperation with local, state, federal, and Mexican law enforcement work together as a team to capture all 34 fugitives and sex offenders last year.

DPS Director McCraw credits the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives and Sex Offenders list along with the Texas Crime Stoppers program, which is funded by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division, by offering cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Fugitives or Sex Offenders.

Crime Stoppers programs enable citizens to anonymously report information about crimes for cash rewards, helping put criminals behind bars and assist in crime reduction efforts.

For more information on the fugitives captured in 2021 or to see the most current list of the "10 Most Wanted Fugitives" with photos, and individual activity information go to the DPS website.

To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:
Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture
Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link

All tips are anonymous regardless of how they are submitted. Tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using your name.

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