James Alexander Pringle, 24, was arrested by Hopkins County Sheriff’s officers assisted by Quitman law enforcement Friday. According to Hopkins County Criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum, Pringle, who was living in a shed in Quitman, has been identified as one of the individuals who have been burglarizing homes and autos in the county. Pringle’s activity was identified as specifically in the Peerless area. Saturday morning Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings set bond for Pringle at $20,000 for Burglary of a Habitation.
Pringle was arrested following a joint effort by area law enforcement. A Mineola Police Criminal Investigator located a 1958 North Hopkins class ring and an East Texas State University class ring in a pawn shop there. The rings had been pawned by Pringle and were known to have been stolen from a Peerless area residence in Hopkins County. Pringle was traced to his residence in Quitman where Sgt. Cory Weatherford with the Hopkins County Sheriff’s office and Quitman law enforcement found him and made the arrest.
Tatum said he is convinced Pringle is not the only one involved in the burglaries and local law enforcement will continue to follow the various leads available. Thus far, Tatum said at least four cars have been identified as suspicious by county residents.
Tatum said the burglaries have occurred in the Shaggy area, County Road 3341 where it crosses I-30, east of the country club overpass, on and around County Road 2310, and along FM 2560 in the Martin Springs area. Lewis encourages rural residents to lock the doors of their vehicles. He also asks that citizens keep watch and should they see a vehicle parked on a roadway to get the license plate and notify the Sheriff’s Office.
