The White Settlement Police Department made a major break in a case on Friday, November 8, 2024, after finding a smartphone near the crime scene that led to the arrest of a suspect. Officers were alerted by a neighbor who noticed a smartphone lying in the grass with its flashlight on. Detectives recovered the phone, which later proved to belong to the suspect, and quickly identified a person of interest.
After further investigation, police detained 21-year-old Francisco Avila at the Westlake Gardens Apartment Complex on Robbins Drive, where he was found walking and possibly searching for the lost phone. Investigators then obtained a search warrant for an apartment connected to Avila. Inside, they found evidence linking him to the crime, along with items taken from the victim and additional items potentially tied to two unrelated felony cases.
Avila has been charged with Burglary of a Habitation with Intent to Commit Other Felony, a first-degree felony offense, and remains in custody at the White Settlement Police Department Detention Facility. The department is working with the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office on further charges.
Chief of Police Christopher Cook expressed gratitude for the quick work by his team, stating, “Bringing justice to this victim and restoring safety to our community is always our top priority.” The victim has since been released from the hospital and is with family.
