Two Carthage Residents Arrested for Trailer Theft

Stolen trailer recovered during traffic stop on State Highway 96

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:10pm

An extreme close-up of a trailer hitch, the metal surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash, creating a stark, gritty visual that conceptually represents the investigative nature of this property crime case.A recent wave of trailer thefts in rural Jasper County exposes the need for vigilance and swift law enforcement action.Carthage Today

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office arrested two Carthage residents, Max Cancinos-Escobar, 63, and Urias Vasquez-Gonzalez, 28, for allegedly stealing a trailer from the area of Civil War Road and High Street in Jasper County. The trailer was recovered during a traffic stop on State Highway 96 after detectives located a black SUV towing the matching trailer.

Why it matters

Trailer thefts are a common property crime in rural areas, often targeting construction equipment, farm machinery, and other valuable items. The recovery of the stolen trailer and arrest of the suspects demonstrates the effectiveness of the Jasper County Sheriff's Office in responding to these types of incidents and holding perpetrators accountable.

The details

According to the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, detectives developed information about the stolen trailer around 9:54 p.m. on Sunday. They later located a black SUV towing the matching trailer eastbound on State Highway 96 and conducted a traffic stop near State Highway 96 and County Road 65 for observed equipment and lane violations. During the investigation, both Cancinos-Escobar and Vasquez-Gonzalez admitted to stealing the trailer. Vasquez-Gonzalez was also found to be in the U.S. unlawfully, and an ICE detainer has been issued.

  • The incident occurred around 9:54 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • The traffic stop and arrests took place around 10:14 p.m. on the same day.

The players

Max Cancinos-Escobar

A 63-year-old resident of Carthage, Missouri who was arrested for allegedly stealing the trailer.

Urias Vasquez-Gonzalez

A 28-year-old resident of Carthage, Missouri who was arrested for allegedly stealing the trailer and is in the U.S. unlawfully, with an ICE detainer issued.

Jasper County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the trailer theft and made the arrests.

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What’s next

Formal charges have been submitted to the Jasper County Prosecutor's Office, and further investigation into the incident continues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of trailer thefts in rural areas and the importance of effective law enforcement response in recovering stolen property and apprehending suspects, even those who may be in the country unlawfully.