Six people have been arrested following a months-long investigation into a suspected organized vehicle theft operation that investigators say targeted high-value vehicles across Los Angeles and Orange counties.
The investigation began Aug. 7 and continued through Sept. 22, with detectives linking the group to several stolen high-end vehicles, multiple police pursuits and a carjacking in Downey. Investigators also identified an incident in which a suspect allegedly pointed a handgun at a police officer during a traffic stop.
Authorities eventually served search warrants at 11 locations connected to the investigation. The operation resulted in six arrests and the recovery of nine stolen vehicles, along with more than a dozen firearms, according to investigators.
The case involved law enforcement agencies from across both counties. Officers and investigators from Downey, South Gate, El Monte, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Beverly Hills, Manhattan Beach and Gardena participated in the operation, along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol.
Four of the six suspects have since been charged with multiple felony counts by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific charges against those four suspects, and the identities of the people arrested were not included in the police information available about the case.
The investigation covered activity that crossed several city and county jurisdictions, requiring agencies to share information and coordinate enforcement efforts. Police said the multi-agency approach was important because the suspected vehicle theft activity extended beyond a single community.
The recovery of nine vehicles and more than a dozen firearms gives investigators additional evidence as the case moves forward. The investigation also included several incidents involving police pursuits and an alleged armed confrontation during a traffic stop.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators was asked to contact Downey Police Detective J. Estrada at 562-904-2332.
