On March 14, 2012 at around 11:17pm, Officer Daniel Pitts, with the Italy Police Department, conducted a routine traffic stop with a Blue 2000 Ford Escort at 1020 Dale Evans Road for a traffic violation.

The vehicle was occupied by the driver, Kimbery Spear (40 yoa) from Waco, and a passenger Joe Martinez (41 yoa) from Dallas. The driver (Spear) was arrested on outstanding warrants out of Red Oak PD and local charges. The passenger (Martinez) was also arrested on a local charge.

The officer then discovered at least 18 suspicious handguns in tubs in the back seat, several illegal knives, money and other property in the vehicle. Two of the handguns were discovered loaded in the front passenger area of the vehicle. The officer also found a crowbar and other burglary related tools. After interviewing the suspects, the Italy Police Department contacted the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office to check a residence in their jurisdiction.

The responding McLennan County deputies discovered the residence had been burglarized while the owner was out of town. The McLennan County Sheriff’s Office contacted the owner of the property who did not know at that time, that their residence had been burglarized.

The McLennan County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigation division is working in cooperation with the Italy Police Department with the Burglary Investigation. McLennan County took custody of the stolen property. Both suspects are currently in custody at the Ellis County Jail.