A vehicle burglary reported in a Buda neighborhood led to the arrest of a San Antonio man after investigators used surveillance footage, license plate reader technology, and assistance from multiple agencies to identify a suspect. The Buda Police Department announced the arrest this week following an investigation that began after a resident discovered their vehicle had been burglarized and their credit card was being used without authorization. Detectives say evidence gathered during the investigation helped them link the suspect to both the stolen credit card purchases and the vehicle involved. The suspect was later located and arrested by deputies with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop in Buda. Authorities say the case highlights how technology and cooperation between agencies can assist investigators in solving property crimes.

Investigation Begins After Credit Card Fraud Discovered

According to the Buda Police Department, officers first responded to a report of a burglary of a vehicle in the Garlic Creek subdivision on the morning of February 23, 2026, The victim reported noticing unauthorized purchases appearing on their credit card and went to check their vehicle for their purse. When they looked inside the vehicle, they discovered it had been burglarized and the purse was missing. Officers documented the report and began gathering information related to the stolen property and fraudulent transactions. The case was then assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigation Division for follow-up investigation.

Detectives Identify Suspect

Investigators began reviewing surveillance footage from businesses where the victim’s credit card had been used after the burglary. Police say the video footage helped detectives identify the person making the purchases. The suspect’s identity was further confirmed through a previous interaction with patrol officers during which he had identified himself. Investigators also determined the same vehicle seen at the stores was captured by the Flock Safety license-plate camera system operating in the Garlic Creek neighborhood. That information helped investigators connect the suspect, the vehicle, and the fraudulent transactions tied to the burglary.

Arrest Warrants Issued

After gathering evidence during the investigation, detectives sought arrest warrants for 35-year-old James Alexander Sciano of San Antonio. Authorities say three warrants were obtained in connection with the burglary investigation and the related credit card activity.

Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest

The arrest occurred on March 3, 2026, after the Hays County Sheriff’s Office received a Flock Safety alert for the vehicle associated with the suspect. Dispatchers notified deputies after the vehicle was detected traveling in the Buda area. Deputies located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of FM 1626 and RM 967. Authorities confirmed the driver was Sciano and he was taken into custody by deputies. Officials say the arrest occurred without further incident.

Charges and Jail Status

Authorities say Sciano was arrested on the three warrants issued by the Buda Police Department as well as a separate Hays County Sheriff’s Office warrant connected to another vehicle burglary case. Investigators also reported locating several identifying documents inside the vehicle that did not belong to him, resulting in an additional charge. According to authorities, Sciano was booked into the Hays County Jail following the arrest. At the time the information was released, officials said his total bond was set at $17,000. The charges listed include credit card or debit card abuse, two counts of burglary of vehicles, and two fraud charges related to the possession or use of identifying information.

Police Credit Investigators and Community Assistance

Buda police credited several individuals and agencies for assisting in the investigation and arrest. The department recognized Corporal Lopasky and Detective Martinez for conducting what officials described as a swift but thorough investigation into the case. Police also acknowledged assistance from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, and Communications Division during the arrest. Investigators additionally thanked the Walmart San Marcos Loss Prevention Team for providing surveillance footage that helped identify the suspect. The Garlic Creek Homeowners Association was also recognized for participating in the Flock Safety license-plate camera program used during the investigation.

Reminder for Residents

Following the investigation, Buda police encouraged residents to take steps to reduce the risk of vehicle burglaries. Officials say many of these crimes occur when valuables are left inside vehicles or when vehicles are left unlocked. The department encourages residents to follow the “9 PM Routine,” reminding people each evening to lock their vehicles, remove valuables, and hide anything that cannot be taken out. Police say those steps can help reduce opportunities for theft and protect personal property. Authorities also noted that cooperation between residents, businesses, and law enforcement plays an important role in preventing crime in the community.

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