No Driving Licence Stop Lands Two in Jail

June 1, 2023 – ALEXANDER GARZA, age 43, was arrested in the parking lot of a Sulphur Springs grocery store this week after a traffic stop. A Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy observed Garza driving a blue Chevy Suburban. The Deputy knew Garza did not possess a valid driving licence. The traffic stop occurred within 1,000′ of Austin Academic Center, a drug free zone.

Contact was made with Garza, and he appeared to be agitated. The reason for the traffic stop was given to the passenger, and she became agitated. The driver was asked to exit the vehicle, and he complied. During a brief interview, Garza explained he needed to work to continue to provide for his family. When asked, Garza refused permission for his vehicle to be searched.

A open container of alcohol was visible in the vehicle. A K-9 unit was called, and alerted positive on the vehicle. A probably cause search was conducted. A bag of methamphetamine was located and a handgun wedged between the front two seats was also found. A records check confirmed the weapon was reported stolen out of Kilgore, TX. A tactical flashlight was located on Garza; that light matched a light installed on the stolen handgun.

The front seat passenger, JHERICO LASHEA HARVELL, confirmed ownership of the stolen handgun. Harvell, who is not related to Garza, is a 28 year old resident of Sulphur Springs. She has been charged with:

1 481.134(D) POSS CS PG1/1B <1G DFZ IAT 481.115
1 31.03(E)(4)(C) THEFT OF FIREARM

Garza is charged with:

1 481.134(B) MAN DEL CS PG 1-B >=1G<4G DFZ HE IAT 481.1123 23FE0035 1 481.1123(C) MAN DEL CS PG 1-B >=1G<4G
1 46.04(E) UNL POSS FIREARM BY FELON
1 481.134(D) POSS CS PG1/1B <1G DFZ IAT 481.115
1 NO DL

No photos of the accused were available.

If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1

The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.