Round Rock Police Arrest Bike Theft Suspect

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS — Police have arrested a man wanted in connection to bicycle thefts — including one belonging to a local 7th grader — along with other charges, officials said Friday.

The Sept. 25 arrest of Ricardo Gutierrez, police said, was based on five warrants: Assault family violence, two counts of bike theft, and two Travis County warrants for burglary of a habitation. Police added narrative to their press advisory in providing context to the bike theft arrest, conveying how property theft can sometimes have a profound impact on victims and the community at large.

"One of the stolen bicycles belonged to 7th grader Avery Hibbs, who received a brand new bike on Aug. 24 from Round Rock Police and Bicycle Sport Shop," police wrote in their press advisory alerting to the arrest. "Avery’s bike was stolen just before his 12th birthday. He saved up for that bike by helping his neighbor with her garden and watching the pets for another neighbor."

Round Rock Police surprised the child with a new bike – same color and model – by showing up in the SWAT vehicle to deliver it to Avery in front of his Chisholm Trail Middle School classmates, police said. Avery and his father then pedaled home with a police bike escort, police added.

Gutierrez remains booked at the Williamson County Jail, according to police.

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>>> Ricardo Gutierrez booking photo courtesy of Round Rock Police Department