Full Notification

KINGSVILLE POLICE DEPARMTNET
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 22, 2019
In a dual-agency effort, Kingsville PD and Department of Public Safety CID in Alice, Texas combined their efforts resulting in the arrest of a fugitive from justice.  That apprehension then led to the discovery of stolen property, which included multiple high powered and assault rifles as well as the recovery of a stolen vehicle, and the arrest of another subject, who was also in possession of methamphetamine.  
The investigation began when KPD Officers and DPS CID went to a residence in the 200 blk. Otis to locate James Austin Bannister 29YOA, a fugitive wanted out of Wise County for Violation of Probation—Firearms Smuggling.  Information had been received that stolen weapons might be at the property.  Consent was given to search the residence and stolen property and weapons were located.  The KPD officers recognized that the weapons were from a burglary that had been reported this last weekend.  A copy of the report confirmed that the weapons were stolen.  Ryan Jamison Vest 35YOA was contacted at the residence as well. 
While at the scene, a DPS investigator located a vehicle down the block that had been stolen earlier.  It was towed to the police department and Ryan Vest, who had been transported to the Kingsville PD had the keys to the stolen vehicle in his possession.
Located on the person of Ryan Vest was also a syringe with methamphetamine.  The syringe was made safe and the methamphetamine was seized as evidence.
The property was logged and tagged as evidence and transported to the Kingsville Police Department.  Citizens who have been victims of burglaries or thefts during the last week and have not made a report to the Kingsville Police Department should do so.  Additional property which the suspects indicated was stolen was brought to the department.  It is our goal to return that property to the rightful owners.  Chief Ricardo Torres wants to commend the efforts of all the KPD officers and personnel as well as the members of the Department of Public Safety CID personnel from Alice, Texas in the outstanding collaborative effort that led to the arrest of two criminal and the recovery of a large amount of property well in excess of $30,000.00. 

Arrestees and charges:

James Austin Bannister, 29YOA

1. Warrant #CR17194-4 from Wise County for Violation of Probation—Firearm Smuggling 3 or more.

Ryan Jamison Vest, 35YOA

1. Theft of Firearm, State Jail Felony
2. Theft of Firearm, State Jail Felony
3. Theft of Firearm, State Jail Felony
4. Theft of Firearm, State Jail Felony
5. Theft of Firearm, State Jail Felony
6. Burglary of Habitation, 2^nd Degree Felony
7. Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, State Jail Felony
8. Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle, State Jail Felony

This investigation is continuing and can lead to the arrest of additional suspects.  Citizens are encouraged to call CrimeStoppers at (361) 592-INFO or www.tipsubmit.com to provide information.  Callers will remain anonymous!