El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a stolen shipping container on Friday, November 6, 2026, in the 13100 block of Montana Avenue. The incident involved a cargo shipment of roughly 43,000 pounds of fiber‑optic cable that had been contracted for transport from Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
Investigation reveals dispute over payment
According to the sheriff’s office, the driver hired to move the shipment cancelled the job and then refused to return the property, claiming a disagreement over his final payment. Detectives traced the semi‑truck, trailer chassis and the shipping container to a property along Montana Avenue and identified the driver as 38‑year‑old Laron Lenard Watts.
Arrest and charges
Watts was taken into custody and charged with theft of property valued between $150,000 and $300,000. The sheriff’s office set his bond at $10,000. A search warrant executed by detectives recovered the shipping container, trailer chassis and the full 43,000 pounds of fiber‑optic cable. The semi‑truck used in the alleged theft was also seized as part of the investigation.
Estimated loss and community impact
Officials estimated the combined value of the stolen cargo at $155,000. While the loss represents a significant financial hit for the parties involved, the swift action by El Paso County law enforcement demonstrates a commitment to protecting local businesses and ensuring that cargo theft does not go unchecked.
Law enforcement response
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that cargo theft undermines the reliability of regional supply chains and can increase costs for consumers. By recovering the stolen assets and holding the suspect accountable, the department aims to deter similar crimes and reassure the business community that illegal activity will be pursued aggressively.
What residents should know
Citizens who witness suspicious activity involving commercial vehicles or cargo are encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office immediately. Prompt reporting can aid investigations and help recover stolen property before it disappears into the black market.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be filed if further evidence emerges. The sheriff’s office will continue to update the public as the case progresses.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
