Authorities net auto theft spree suspect, merchandise

Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

Burnet County authorities tracked down a suspect July 30 accused of stealing as many as six vehicles in about 10 days, after finding a stolen pickup abandoned in the vicinity of one of the other incidents.

Ricky Wayne Hays, 30, allegedly stole about half of the vehicles from residences and the other half from businesses, according to the Burnet County Sheriff's Department report.

Authorities suspect a drug connection tied to selling or unloading stolen merchandise. The investigation uncovered a 500-gallon fuel tank, a generator and other items.

“They either had the keys in them; others he would break into the garage,” the investigator said. “He knew some of these people he stole them from.

“Some he worked for. Some of it was just opportunity. Whatever he could do to the keys.” . . .

Find the rest of this story in the Friday, Aug. 2 issue of The Highlander, the newspaper of record for the Highland Lakes. To offer a comment or news tip, email connie@highlandernews.com. To subscribe, call 830-693-4367.