Bonilla, described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, was last seen wearing a red baseball cap, an orange hoodie, and dark camouflaged pants. He was initially arrested by the Temple Police Department on February 16, 2025, for driving without a driver’s license. Following his arrest, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on him, and he was preparing to be released to federal authorities.
The Bell County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Belton Police Department, Temple Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol, Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Rangers, and Constable Office Precincts Four and One, coordinated efforts to capture Bonilla. Assistance was also requested from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the use of prison dogs.
The Sheriff’s Office advised the public to avoid the area and remain vigilant, emphasizing that Bonilla does not have a criminal history involving violence. Residents in the southern portion of Interstate 35 in Belton and Salado were urged to call 911 if they spotted anyone matching Bonilla’s description, as he could have changed his clothing.
