The White Settlement Police Department received a major case development on Friday, November 8, 2024, when a digital smartphone was found near the offense location. While investigators did not initially know if this telephone was related to the case, further investigation revealed that it indeed belonged to the suspect.
Officers were alerted by a neighbor that a smartphone was lying in the grass with the flashlight function turned on. Detectives recovered the mobile device and were able to focus on a possible suspect. After extensive investigation throughout the day, a person of interest associated with the mobile phone was detained in the Westlake Gardens Apartment Complex located in the 8500 block of Robbins Drive while walking around. Officers believe the suspect may have been looking for the mobile phone that was lost around the original crime location.
After detaining the person of interest, investigators obtained a search warrant for an apartment associated with the suspect that had ties to the mobile phone. Once the search warrant was executed, several items of interest were located, including evidence that linked the suspect to the crime and items taken from the victim.
Additional items and evidence were also located that may be associated with two other felony offenses, unrelated to the early morning crime. More charges are likely as the criminal investigation continues.
21-year-old Francisco Avila has been charged with Burglary of a Habitation with Intent to Commit Other Felony (First Degree Felony Offense). Avila remains in the White Settlement Police Department Detention Facility. The department is consulting with the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office on the most appropriate charge. The victim has been released from the hospital and is surrounded by family.
“I want to thank our investigative, patrol, and dispatch teams for their quick and decisive actions taken today that resulted in this dangerous suspect being arrested within hours of the incident,” said Chief of Police Christopher Cook. “Bringing justice to this victim and restoring safety to our community is always our top priority.”
The booking photo has been attached. The suspect will be transferred to the Tarrant County Jail at an undisclosed time.
