Harker Heights — A Harker Heights woman is hoping to warn the community Monday night. The woman who wishes to remain anonymous said a man allegedly broke into her parked car, snatched dozens of valuable items -- including ashes from the victims loved ones and then got away in a company car.
The crime happened in the parking lot at the Best Western in Harker Heights in January, and the entire crime was caught on camera.
"I was shocked because I was told Harker Heights was a good area to be in," the victim said.
The victim said she and her husband just moved to the area and were staying at the hotel in January until their home was ready. Around 4 a.m. on Jan. 18, surveillance video shows a white pickup truck pull into the hotel parking lot. The driver sits around in the truck for a while before pulling up next to the victim's red jeep and allegedly shooting out the back window.
Next, the video shows the man hop out of his company car, steal dozens of boxes and bags from the victim's car and then speed off.The victim says the man stole a new tv, as well as her mother in law's ashes and her dog's ashes among other things.
"It's very heartbreaking. It bothered me the most because I knew that was something that could not be replaced and it was very hurtful to know that it was gone and gone forever," the victim said.
After sharing the video online community members identified the getaway car. It belongs to local drywall company CTEX Drywall. Community members then matched the license plate to a Killeen home.
Channel 6 went to the house listed and found the company's owner.
He tells us he has three guys working for him but said the criminal doesn't look like any of his employees. The owner released the following statement:
"It's shocking to hear that this happened. We don't know who did this. We are going to talk to our employees to find out what they know. We've been contacted by the case detective and are working with them. We're sorry to the family that lost their ashes," said CTEX Drywall's Owner.
Meantime, the victim has this message for the community.
"Definitely be aware of your surroundings and don't assume any area is crime free," said the victim.
The owner of CTEX Drywall says the vehicle used in the crime was repossessed 2 weeks ago but says they're cooperating with authorities in the investigation.
If you know anything call Harker Heights Police.