Elk Tractor burglary suspect tracked down

LA GRANGE, Texas (KXAN) - After nearly seven months of investigating, the Fayette County Sherriff’s Office has tracked down a suspect in the Elk Tractor burglaries.

Using DNA testing, investigators were able to indentify Justin Sowel, of Humble, Texas, as the suspect. Sowel, 26, is already in prison on a related burglary charge in Montgomery County. He is serving six years in prison for that charge.

In July 2012, investigators were called to Elk Tractor in connection with a string of burglaries at the business.

According to a release, investigators found blood on the building from where the suspect had cut into the side of the building. The blood sample was sent to the crime lab and was instrumental in connecting Sowel to the crime.

Nearly $9,000 worth of equipment was stolen from Elk Tractor.

Further investigation into the case yielded this burglary was part of a large theft ring. Several other burglaries were committed at businesses throughout the region, and stretched all the way to Louisiana.

The department also said another member related to the theft ring was arrested last week in Montgomery County. A search of the residence turned up several items connected to other burglaries around Texas.