Monthly Update Report for April, 2008
Southern California:
From: Ted Saraf, Director, Law Enforcement Relations
Total number of “chop shops” and or “rings” for LoJack system Southern California = 325 HIGHLIGHT ACTIVITIES FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2008: LoJack of LOS ANGELES COUNTY
On 04-04-08, LAPD Officers from Southeast Division were patrolling the area of Central Avenue and 108th Street when they acquired the silent LoJack homing signal, within four minutes of activation, from the LA County Sheriffs stolen 2007 Suzuki Motorcycle. The officers tracked and isolated the signal to the garage of a residence in the 1100 block of Clovis Avenue. They requested an additional unit and a supervisor to respond and when they arrived the officers looked through the garage windows and observed three sport motorcycles with the license plates removed inside. Contact was made with a female occupant of the residence and she was informed of the stolen vehicle investigation. She was asked if she owned the motorcycles in the garage and she stated she did not, but that her son had acquired one of them, which he traded for some car rims. The other two belonged to her son's friends. The son was interviewed and stated that he got the Suzuki M/C for the rims valued at $2,500.00. Upon checking the VINs of the M/Cs, two returned as stolen and the other returned with a registered owner in Lakewood, Ca. (same city as the LoJack stolen). The Suzuki still had the front wheel lock in place and all three bikes appeared to be damaged. This suspect was detained and transported to the station pending further investigation. The officers then contacted LASD Lakewood Station and a deputy conducted a follow-up investigation to the residence of the registered owner of the Orange Honda M/C, which was not reported stolen. Contact was made with this owner, who was extremely uncooperative and refused to exit his residence at the request of the deputy to check the location of his M/C. Gee, one has to wonder just what this guy was involved in or hiding. The deputy left and a short time later had to return to take another stolen vehicle report on that M/C. The suspect was then arrested for Auto Theft and Possession of Stolen Property. At the time of this investigation it could not be determined if this suspect is involved in a theft ring or not. On 4-5-08, the owner of a 2002 Honda Civic reported her vehicle stolen to the Claremont PD officers who entered the stolen information into NCIC/SVS activating the LoJack system. Within minutes, officers from the Claremont Pd picked up the silent LoJack signal from the stolen vehicle and tracked it into the City of Pomona where they located the vehicle containing two male adults parked in an alley. The officers deployed on the vehicle and detained both occupants without further incident. The investigation revealed that both males were on Parole. They were arrested and booked for Grand Theft Auto. The vehicle sustained no damage and was later released to the victim. The owner of this vehicle had LoJack installed at their request on November 7, 2001. On 04-06-08, a Long Beach Police Officer was on patrol near 9th St. and Daisy Ave. when he received the silent code of a stolen 2007 Toyota Camry just three minutes after it had been reported stolen. He tracked the signal to 3rd St. and Pacific Avenue where he observed the car in the parking lot. A male suspect was exiting the car and reaching for the ignition keys. The suspect was detained and related the following. He was aware the car was stolen because the person that gave him the keys said it was stolen. He was considering taking the keys to the police station when the officer detained him. The driver was arrested for auto theft and the car was recovered without sustaining any damage. The LoJack had been installed by the dealership in June of 2006 at the original owner's request. On 4-8-08, officers from LAPD Hollenbeck Division were patrolling the area of Monterey Rd and Huntington Dr when they received a LoJack “hit” on a stolen 1996 Chevrolet Lumina that had been entered earlier. After obtaining the description, they began tracking a moving signal in the area of Lynnfield Circle and Lynnfield Dr. They then observed a Chevrolet Lumina parked and observed a brake light flash. As they moved closer to the vehicle, they observed a male recline the driver's seat. They approached the vehicle taking the suspect into custody without further incident. The driver was found to be in possession of several shaved keys, a common method of stealing older cars and also had the victim's property in his pockets. He was later booked for vehicle theft, and the vehicle was returned to the owner, undamaged. The LoJack had been installed by the dealership in July of 1996 at the original owner's request. On 4-8-08, El Monte PD “Air-45” Flight Officers received a LoJack “Hit” from a stolen 2005 Nissan Altima on their airborne tracking system minutes after activation by Huntington PD. Air-45 directed officers to the area of Penn-Mar and Magnolia where the vehicle was located parked and unoccupied. The ground officers observed a male and female approximately 100 feet from the vehicle and detained them for a field investigation. The officers and station detectives identified the female as the person who had stolen the vehicle and found the vehicle keys in her possession. They also indicated that she had admitted to stealing the vehicle. She was later booked for vehicle theft and the male was released. The vehicle was later towed and stored for safekeeping. The LoJack system was installed at the owner's request in July 2005. On 04-08-80, Long Beach Police Department Flight Officers flying Helicopter “FOX-2” had just departed from the airport when they acquired the silent LoJack homing signal from a 1993 Honda Accord, which had been reported stolen to their department just over one hour earlier. They began tracking the signal from the interchange of the 405 and 710 Freeways. They tracked the signal in a N/W direction and initiated a broadcast of the stolen vehicle information, their location and signal direction. “FOX-2” isolated the signal to the area of Santa Fe Avenue and 34th Street, where they located the stolen vehicle in a parking lot to the rear of a Laundromat. They observed a female suspect apparently removing the stereo from the car. The flight officers directed the responding ground units to the location, and upon arrival the suspect was taken into custody without incident. While the ground units were conducting their investigation, another female approached them, wanting to know (Wuz-UP) what was going on and began interfering with the investigation. She too was detained, and as it turned out she had an outstanding Felony Warrant for Narcotics Violations, and was promptly arrested. The other suspect was arrested for Auto Theft, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Auto Stripping a Stolen Vehicle. The vehicle was later towed and stored. In 4-15-08, LAPD “Air-18” Flight Officers along with LAPD Newton Division officers picked up the silent LoJack code of a stolen 1997 Ford Thunderbird in the area of 53rd St. and Holmes. As ground officers arrived into the area, they observed the vehicle driving S/B on Holmes towards Slauson. The officers conducted a felony traffic stop on the suspect and detained a female driver without further incident. The driver claimed her boy friend had purchased the vehicle one month ago, however the owner who reported it stolen claimed it had been stolen this date. The vehicle was later released to the victim and the driver released pending further investigation by station detectives. This vehicle has its LoJack installed by a previous owners request in October 1998. On 04/16/08, “Just two minutes after being entered as stolen, LAPD ”Air 10” Flight Officers picked up the silent LoJack homing signal from the 2002 Cadillac Escalade, with the LoJack Police Tracking Computer installed in their air unit.” Officers from LAPD Newton Street division responded to the area of 31st and Stanford to assist in locating the stolen vehicle. The officers located the vehicle and set up surveillance. The officers then observed two newer vehicles drive slowly pass the stolen Corvette. A short time later they observed that the stolen vehicle was being driven away. The officers followed the stolen vehicle while requesting the air unit and back up ground units to assist. The suspect pulled the vehicle to the curb at 32nd Street and Griffith Ave. The officers conducted a felony traffic stop and took the suspect into custody without incident, he was arrested for 487 (d) PC (GTA). Officers observed a screwdriver in the ignition. The suspect was also found to be in possession of narcotics. On 04-16-08, within four minutes of activation, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Deputies from Lakewood Station picked up the silent LoJack homing signal from the 2007 Jeep Commander, which had just been entered into the state stolen vehicle system by their station. He deputies tracked and located the vehicle on Imperial Highway, in the City of Lynwood. While they were waiting for back-up units to arrive the suspects entered the N/B Long Beach Freeway. A vehicle stop was attempted, but the driver accelerated refusing to yield and a pursuit ensued. LASD Sheriffs Helicopter “Air-24” responded and when the suspect's speed became excessive (and deemed unsafe) the flight deputies in “Air-24” took over the pursuit and the ground units backed off. After following the vehicle for about ten minutes, the suspects entered the City of Maywood. They were still attempting to evade the helicopter by making numerous turns and turning off the lights (blacking out). Responding Maywood PD officers then observed the stolen vehicle and they too became involved in another pursuit. The suspects lost control of the vehicle colliding with the curb at Randolph Street and Pala Avenue, and the two male adult suspects then fled the vehicle on foot jumping over several fences. A perimeter was established and both suspects were eventually apprehended hiding in the yard of a residence. They were arrested and charged with Auto Theft, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Felony Evading and Resisting Arrest. The vehicle, which sustained minor traffic accident damage, was impounded and held for evidence. On 4-20-08, Pasadena PD Air PD-2 Flight Officers were returning from a call in the city of West Covina when they picked up the silent LoJack signal of a stolen 2001 Ford XST taken from Pomona. They obtained the description of the vehicle and tracked the signal into the city of Monrovia where they spotted the moving vehicle. They maintain observation and directed Monrovia PD ground units to the location of the stolen. Monrovia initiated a felony traffic stop at Wildrose and Mountain Ave where they detained the driver and four other individuals. Once in custody, they interviewed the driver and 4 other individuals and learned the driver was an adult and he had picked up the four individuals at a party in Pomona. The four individuals, all Juveniles, were in violation of curfew with the exception of one who had a warrant for his arrest. The driver was booked VC 10851 DWOC and the vehicle stored for safekeeping. Downey Ford installed the LoJack system at the owner's request in February 2004. On 4-22-08, an officer working Bell PD picked up the LoJack signal from the victim's stolen 1994 Honda Civic. He tracked it to the 5800 block of Ludell Street and observed one male suspect walking away from the stolen vehicle. He also observed that the suspect's hands were covered in grease and dirt. The officer checked the vehicle and discovered the vehicle's engine was very hot. He stopped the suspect and subsequently found he was in possession of tools, which had been modified to steal vehicles. He arrested the suspect for 466 PC (Possession of Burglary Tools and 10851 VC (Driving without Owners Consent). Fingerprints were recovered from the vehicle and matched to the suspect. Bell PD Detectives are investigating the case. On 4-28-08, within twelve minutes of the LoJack system activating, two LAPD Sergeants picked up the LoJack signal from the victim's stolen 2007 Dodge Magnum. When requested back-up units arrived, they proceeded to conduct a high risk traffic stop. There was a male driver with a female passenger in the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle and proceeded to yell at the officers and would not follow commands. As a last resort, the driver was shot with a beanbag and subsequently was taken into custody along with the female passenger. The officers’ investigation found that the driver was on parole and had stolen a friend's vehicle and was arrested for 10851 VC (Driving without Owners consent) and parole violation. The passenger was arrested for an outstanding warrant. 77th Street Detectives are investigating the case. On 4-29-08, California Highway Patrol “Airplane 81” Flight Officers picked up the silent LoJack signal of a stolen 2005 Nissan Pathfinder while they were patrolling the area of the 215 Freeway and the I-15 Freeway. They tracked the signal for about 15 to 20 miles and tracked it into the City of Pomona. The officers notified Pomona PD of the tracking and gave a probable location south of Pavilion east of Dudley. Officers from Pomona responded with a LoJack vehicle and tracked the stolen Nissan to a residential street and located it parked in front of a residence. They observed two males in the rear yard and began an investigation. One of the males admitted he was driving the vehicle and was arrested and booked VC 10851 DWOC. The vehicle was stored and undamaged. The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder had the LoJack installed at the owner's request on March 2006. On 04/29/08, “Just nine minutes after being entered as stolen, officers with the LAPD North Hollywood property crimes detail, picked up the silent LoJack homing signal from the 2006 BMW 530I with the LoJack Police Tracking Computer installed in their patrol cars.” The officers located the vehicle in the area of, and set up surveillance. The officers observed two suspects drive up to the stolen BMW in a 1998 Infiniti I30 and stop. One suspect entered the BMW and drove from the location. The officers conducted a felony traffic stop on the stolen BMW and took the suspect into custody for 10851 VC (DWOC) without incident. The second suspect ad banded the stolen Infiniti he was driving, and fled from the location. The officers recovered the two stolen vehicles and recovered evidence connecting the suspect to 5 burglaries from motor vehicles that had occurred at the same time and location as the theft of the two vehicles. On 04/30/08, “Just five minutes after being entered as stolen, officers with the LAPD Mission Division picked up the silent LoJack homing signal from the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado with the LoJack Police Tracking Computer installed in their patrol cars.” The officers, along with Detectives from the Los Angeles County TRAP, west team, located the stolen vehicle in the area of Library and Workman, in the City of San Fernando. Surveillance was established, and within minutes the suspect returned to the vehicle. The officers conducted a felony traffic stop, and took the suspect into custody for 10851 VC (DWOC) without incident. The reputed gang member had defecated in his pants and was using drugs. LoJack of ORANGE COUNTY: On 04-17-08, Deputies from Orange County Sheriffs Laguna Niguel Station acquired the silent LoJack homing signal from the Irvine PD stolen 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. They picked up the signal, within five minutes of activation, in the vicinity of Camino Del Avion and Bear Brand, in the City of Laguna Niguel. They tracked the signal for quite some distance to Crown Valley and Pacific Coast Highway. From there they continued S/B on PCH to Salt Creek Beach where they observed a possible vehicle matching that of the stolen vehicle parked, unoccupied, in the parking lot. There was a possible suspect, a male adult, standing adjacent to the vehicle. The LoJack tracker was at full strength, pointing directly at that vehicle, which had been “cold plated”. The deputy approached and verified the VIN on the vehicle, which confirmed that this was indeed the stolen vehicle. As they confronted the possible suspect he turned and fled on foot, but was apprehended within a short distance after a brief struggle. Well, this should be no surprise, it turns out that the suspect is a parolee. Irvine PD Detectives were contacted and are conducting further investigation into the possibility that this suspect has been involved in, or associated with, numerous burglaries from motor vehicles in their city. The suspect was arrested for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Resisting Arrest and Parole Violation. The undamaged vehicle was impounded and is being held as evidence. On 4-18-08, officers from the Buena Park Pd picked up the silent LoJack signal of a 2003 Honda Civic that had been reported stolen minutes earlier. Apparently the suspect had filled out a false credit application and written a check to purchase the vehicle. That check was no good. After obtaining the vehicle description, the officers tracked the signal to Melrose west of Western where they located the Honda parked and occupied by the suspect who apparently was sleeping. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. When questioned about the vehicle, he told the officers that the check was his, however, the signature was not. He was booked on two felony counts and the vehicle later released to the dealership, undamaged. The LoJack retrieve system was installed at Buena Park Honda at the owner's request on 1-22-08. LoJack of RIVERSIDE COUNTY: On 04-06-08, a Riverside Area California Highway Patrol Officer in the vicinity of the I-15 Freeway and Limonite Avenue, in the unincorporated area of Riverside County, City of Mira Loma, picked up the silent LoJack homing signal from the Riverside Sheriffs Jurupa Station stolen 2006 Suzuki Motorcycle. The officer acquired the signal, within four minutes of activation, but was en-route to another call and unable to track the signal. He initiated a broadcast of the stolen vehicle information, his location and signal direction, and requested Riverside Sheriffs assistance in the tracking. The original deputy that had taken the stolen vehicle report also advised area units of the vehicle description and indicated that the location in which the signal was coming from was very close to the original theft location. This deputy, along with other LoJack equipped units, responded and also acquired the signal. They tracked it to the original mobile home park where it was stolen from in the 5800 block of Hamner. The signal was pinpointed to another mobile home on the other side of the park. Upon making contact with the occupant they observed the motorcycle in the living room. This suspect was immediately detained and for officer safety, a search was conducted of the residence, and an additional suspect (a parolee at large) was located hiding in a closet. Both suspects were arrested for Auto Theft and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Deputies also conducted a parole search of the parolee's residence (several spaces over) and recovered Live Ammunition, a glass Methamphetamine Pipe and other Narcotic Paraphernalia. This suspect was also charged (with the obvious) Parole Violation. The undamaged motorcycle was processed for evidence and later released to the owner. On 04-08-06, Riverside Sheriffs Flight Deputies flying Helicopter “STAR-94” were working a search warrant service in the Jurupa Valley, unincorporated area of Riverside County, when they picked up the silent LoJack homing signal from a stolen LoJack equipped vehicle. They acquired the signal from the 2007 Toyota Corolla, within three minutes of activation. The flight deputies initiated a broadcast of the LoJack hit and the general direction of the signal. They advised that they would assist in tracking the signal as soon as they completed their present mission. Approximately twenty minutes later, with their mission was completed; they began tracking the LoJack signal, which they were still receiving. “STAR-94” tracked it to Camino Real and Limonite, in the Mira Loma area. The vehicle was moving and ground units finally located it in the vicinity of Yearling and Baldwin. A felony vehicle stop was made and the two male adult occupants were taken into custody without incident, and arrested for Auto Theft and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. The undamaged vehicle was later released to the owner in the field. On 04-20-08, within nine minutes of activation, Riverside Sheriffs Flight Deputies flying “STAR-93” had just left a call in the incorporated area of Mead Valley when they acquired the silent LoJack homing signal from the Tustin PD stolen 2000 Chevrolet Silverado Truck. “STAR-93” began tracking the signal southbound, and notified RSO Perris Station ground units of the LoJack hit. They too had also acquired the LoJack signal. The signal was tracked for about fifteen miles to Cypress and Ferrell where the deputies located the stolen vehicle being stripped by two male adult suspects in a carport next to a field. As they approached one of the suspects (a parolee) fled on foot. He was apprehended a short distance away, and after a brief scuffle, he was subdued and taken into custody. Both suspects were arrested for GTA, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and the parolee for Parole Violation. The vehicle was then towed and stored. On 04-22-08, within two minutes of activation, an officer assigned to Mount San Jacinto Community College PD picked up the silent LoJack homing signal from the Murrieta PD stolen 1999 Ford F-250 Pick-up Truck. He was crossing over the I-215 Freeway at Newport Avenue in the City of Menifee, and the signal indicated that the car was N/W of his location. He notified dispatch (Banning PD) of the LoJack hit and began tracking the signal. Dispatchers, having some difficulty with the radio transmission, notified Riverside Sheriffs of the officer's location and signal direction. RSO units and “STAR-94”, sheriffs helicopter, responded to assist. The officer tracking the stolen vehicle located it parked facing the wrong way, blacked out, on Twin Pines a cul-de-sac street. As the officer approached the driver, a male adult, fled and a pursuit ensued. “STAR-94” arrived and took over the pursuit from the air. After crashing through several fences, the suspect drove onto a golf course, where he abandoned the vehicle fleeing on foot. A perimeter was established around the golf course and surrounding area. After searching for several hours with K-9 assistance, the suspect was finally located hiding under a car. Murrieta PD advised that this might be the suspect who was responsible for several GTAs and residential burglaries that have occurred in their city recently. The suspect was transported to Murrieta PD who will handle the investigation. The suspect was positively identified from a six-pack photo line-up as the same suspect who had been seen casing neighborhoods in Murrieta. The vehicle was removed from the golf course the next day and held as evidence. This is an excellent example of multiple agency interaction, cooperation and assistance, outstanding work. LoJack of SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY: On 04-04-08, within four minutes of being activated, Fontana Police Department Flight Officers flying “Air-44” picked up the silent LoJack homing signal from the San Bernardino PD stolen 2000 Dodge Intrepid. They were in the vicinity of Randall and Cedar, on the border of the cities of Fontana and Rialto, when they picked up the signal. A broadcast of the stolen vehicle information, their location and signal direction, was initiated for the surrounding police agencies. “Air-44” continued tracking the signal into the City of Rialto, where they located the stolen vehicle eastbound on Randall. Rialto PD units were unable to assist as they were working other priority assignments. Fontana PD units responded and were directed to the suspect's location in the 200 block of North Idylwild, where the male adult suspect had pulled into a driveway of a residence. He remained in the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident by Fontana PD Officers. Imagine this, he was a parolee (just released from state prison) for Grand Theft Auto. He was arrested for Auto Theft, Possession of Stolen Property and Parole Violation. The District Attorney filed felony charges and the suspect was tried and convicted for Auto Theft and sentenced to sixteen months State Prison. Also he has to serve out the remainder of his previous GTA sentence for parole violation. The undamaged vehicle was later released to the owner, who was one happy camper to get the vehicle back. On 04-04-08, a San Bernardino Sheriffs Deputy assigned to the West End Chino Hills Station acquired the silent LoJack homing signal from the Pomona PD stolen 1997 Melroe Skid Steer Loader, just over one and one half hours of entry. The deputy picked up the signal in the vicinity of Mission and Martin, tracked and isolated it to a residential construction cite in the 4700 block of Grand Avenue. He located the skid steer on one of the quarter acre lots, to the rear of a structure, in a dirt field. The deputy checked the PIN plate and found the PIN (product identification number) different from that of the stolen vehicle information. He also noticed that the rivets appeared to be newer, which raised the question that it had been PIN switched. The deputy contacted NER (National Equipment Registry) and was informed that this PIN had been reported “lost or stolen” to them, but not to law enforcement. While conducting his investigation, a suspect driving a dump truck pulling another skid steer loaded on a trailer arrived parking right next to the stolen skid steer. The deputy contacted this individual, who stated that he rents equipment from an equipment auction (victim) and had purchased the stolen skid steer from them on 03-08-08. As luck would have it, a qualified field expert in construction equipment, was nearby and responded to the location. He conducted an inspection of both skid steers and the dump truck, verifying that the stolen unit was in fact PIN switched and eliminated the other vehicles. The deputy had contacted the victim (equipment auction) who indicated that there were over twenty pieces of equipment stolen between 03-08-08 and 04-04-08. It was also noted that the stolen piece had been re-painted and all the tires replaced. The dump truck and skid steer were secured and the suspect arrested for Possession of Stolen Property. The stolen skid steer was impounded as evidence, estimated value $15,000.00. On 04-15-08, the victim of a “car jacking” contacted the Pomona Police Department who entered the 2003 Ford Taurus into the state stolen vehicle system. Within two minutes of activation, San Bernardino Sheriffs Flight Deputies flying Helicopter “40-KING” were tracking the silent LoJack homing signal, which they tracked into the City of Fontana to the area of Sierra and Merrill. Fontana PD ground units had also acquired the signal and pinpointed it to a parking structure of a hospital located at Sierra and Marigold. A perimeter was established and an unmarked, undercover unit located the vehicle inside the structure. The officer took up a position of advantage and conducted surveillance on the vehicle. After a short time he observed a male adult enter the vehicle and drive off. The undercover officer advised the marked police units that the suspect was now mobile. The suspect was followed out of the structure and around the corner from the hospital, where the units conducted a felony vehicle stop, taking him into custody without incident. He was arrested for Car Jacking, Auto Theft and Possession of Stolen Property and the undamaged vehicle was impounded and processed as evidence. Pomona PD Detectives will be handling the investigation. On 04-17-08, within thirteen minutes of activation, CHP Flight Officers assigned to Victorville Air Operations flying “Airplane-81” acquired the silent LoJack homing signal from the Fontana PD stolen 1998 Honda Civic. While flying over the City of Rialto they observed a possible vehicle matching that of the stolen in the vicinity of Baseline Avenue and Acacia. There was a female driver in the stolen Honda being followed by another Honda Accord, driven by a male driver. CHP San Bernardino Area ground units were en-route to assist the airplane in the tracking. The flight officers observed that both vehicles were making numerous turns, eventually stopping on Madrona Street blocking the street. The male suspect got out of the Accord and threw something into the bushes. He re-entered the Accord and both vehicles drove off, the female in the stolen proceeded E/B on Jackson and the male (later identified as her boyfriend) N/B on Acacia. A responding CHP ground unit followed the stolen Civic to Pampas north of Jackson where the female suspect just pulled over and stopped. She was immediately taken into custody without incident. The boyfriend in the meantime had doubled back and he too was stopped and detained. A search of the Madrona Street location revealed several small plastic baggies (commonly used to package drugs) and a scale. The stolen Civic had the steering column casing removed. Both suspects were arrested for GTA and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. In addition the female had an outstanding warrant for $50,000.00. Both vehicles were towed and stored as evidence. In checking, this is the second time that this Honda Civic has been stolen and recovered by LoJack. On 04-18-08, a California Highway Patrol Officer assigned
to the Barstow Area acquired the silent LoJack homing signal from the South
Gate PD stolen 2000 Ford Explorer. The officer got the signal, within thirty-two
of activation, northbound on Interstate 15 (on the way to Las Vegas) at
Hodge Road. He initiated a broadcast of the stolen vehicle information,
his location and signal direction. Requesting a back-up unit to assist,
he began tracking the signal. He knew that he was gaining on the stolen
vehicle as the LoJack signal became stronger. He then observed the stolen
Explorer and when sufficient back-up units arrived, a felony vehicle stop
was conducted at Mojave River and the I-15 Freeway. Four occupants, a male
adult driver, two female adults and one female juvenile occupied the vehicle.
All four were taken into custody without incident and the driver was arrested
for Driving and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. The female occupants were
later released and the undamaged vehicle was towed and stored.
On 04-04-08, two National City Police Officers were on routine patrol when they received the silent signal of the stolen 2003 Saturn VUE. They tracked the signal to the 3700 block of Dalbergia St. where they observed the car parked at the curb. As they got closer to the car they saw that a male suspect was asleep in the driver's seat. The driver was detained and said the vehicle belonged to his girl friend. This information proved false and it was noted that the key in the ignition was a “shaved key”. The driver was arrested for auto theft and the car was recovered without sustaining any damage. The LoJack had been installed by the dealership in June of 1996 at the original owner's request. On 04-25-08, four Chula Vista Police Officers were all in LoJack equipped patrol cars when they received the silent code of a stolen 2005 BMW X-3 in the area of Interstate 805 and Bonita Rd. Within a few minutes they located the vehicle in the Plaza Bonita Mall parking lot. Because the vehicle was unoccupied, the officers maintained surveillance until two suspects entered the vehicle a short time later. With assistance from the security at the Bonita Mall, they were able to obtain video of the suspects driving into the parking lot in the stolen vehicle. It was also learned that the suspects were attempting to make purchases by using stolen credit cards from the victim of the stolen car. The suspects were booked for auto theft, theft of the credit card and conspiracy. The vehicle was recovered without sustaining any damage. The LoJack had been installed by the dealership in March of 2006 at the original owner's request. MEXICO RECOVERIES: During the month of April 2008, there were twenty eight (28) US LoJack equipped stolen vehicles recovered in Mexico. LoJack of SANTA BARBARA COUNTY: No Arrests Reported. LoJack of SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY: No Arrests Reported. LoJack of IMPERIAL COUNTY: No Arrests Reported. LoJack of VENTURA COUNTY: No Arrests Reported For further information, contact Southern California
Law Enforcement Liaison Ted Saraf,
For a downloadable version of
this report in Word, please click here.
Prior LoJack Monthly Update Reports
are available, please click here. |
