A Boerne, Texas, man has been sentenced to four years in prison after police say he used a paintball gun and an ATV in an elaborate scheme to steal high-end Corvettes from local dealerships.
First Theft Uncovered
Jose Israel Barrera Jr., 36, was stopped by police while driving on Scenic Loop Road towing a 2009 Chevrolet Corvette valued at $89,000. The vehicle had been reported stolen from Mark Motors, and surveillance footage showed it being pushed across a field before being loaded for transport. Officers noted a cracked windshield and grass debris on the Corvette’s bumper that matched the footage. The trailer used to transport the vehicle had reportedly been stolen from Waco, with its VIN painted over and mismatched license plates attached.
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Attempted to Flee, Then Confessed
Barrera attempted to flee when officers approached but was apprehended shortly after. Inside his truck, police found a handgun, rubber gloves, industrial bolt cutters, and a paintball gun loaded with bright pink paintballs. According to investigators, Barrera admitted the paintballs were intended to obscure dealership security cameras during the thefts.
A Second Theft Confirmed
Investigators say Barrera also admitted to a second theft, involving a 2011 Corvette ZR1 valued at $91,900 taken from Jaguar of Boerne. In that case, he allegedly used an ATV to push the vehicle off the lot and onto a waiting trailer.
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Sentencing
A judge sentenced Barrera to four years in a Texas prison this week. Police described the case as one of the more elaborate vehicle theft schemes they have encountered, combining planning, unconventional methods, and a distinctive use of paintballs to evade detection.