Kyle Police charge 3rd person, find hidden car

Three people have now been arrested in connection with the death of 53-year-old John Lyon of San Marcos, who was fatally struck while riding his bicycle along Interstate 35 May 27.

Kevin Sean Deleon, 31, who is a nephew of the man authorities say was driving the car that fled the scene after striking Lyon’s bicycle, has been taken into custody and charged with tampering with physical evidence and making a false report to police.

Gilbert Villegas, 47, was arrested in the Houston area June 20 and charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death. Last week, his brother, Daniel Villegas, 50, was briefly jailed on a tampering charge.

Kyle police also said they have now located the vehicle Villegas was driving. The charcoal gray Kia Optima was discovered in a remote area of Comal County by investigators using air surveillance conducted by the Texas DPS Aviation Unit. 

Kyle Police chief Jeff Barnett said the car was in an outbuilding and that the owner of the property was unaware it was hidden there. He said the car was missing its front bumper.

“Investigators were diligent in their efforts to locate Villegas, and arrest two of his family members for their involvement in covering up the hit and run,” Barnett said. “Locating the vehicle was a key piece of the puzzle and now we have that as well.”

Barnett credited assistance from the DPS Aviation Unit, as well as the sheriff’s offices of Hays and Comal County, the Texas Rangers and the San Marcos Police Department. 

Deleon, a San Marcos resident, was already in Hays County Jail when Kyle officers served him arrest warrants related to the fatal hit and run. Tampering with evidence is a third degree felony and making a false report is a Class B Misdemeanor. Deleon was released from jail July 1.

David Villegas has also been released. Gilbert Villegas remains behind bars in lieu of bonds totaling $325,000. Leaving the scene of an accident involving death is a second degree felony.