LoJack Helps Delano Police Locate a Chop Shop, Recover Stolen Chevy Pickup, Arrest 3 Suspects
- March 28, 2013
- recovery stories
On January 22, 2013, the owner of a Chevrolet pickup truck contacted the Fresno Police Department to report that his vehicle had been stolen from his residence. The Fresno Police Department verified the theft and entered the vehicle information into the state and federal crime computers, which automatically activated the LoJack transponder concealed in the Chevrolet.
A short while later, an officer with the Delano Police Department received the silent LoJack homing signals from the stolen Chevrolet on the Police Tracking Computer installed in his patrol vehicle. Following the directional and audible cues from the LoJack computer, the officer tracked the vehicle to an abandoned business in the 600 block of High Street in Delano. As the officer approached the fenced-in business, he observed several people inside. When assisting units arrived, the area was secured and three adult males were detained.
The LoJack-equipped Chevrolet pickup truck was found inside the fenced yard. It had sustained minor damage but was essentially intact. In addition, officers also located a 2003 Chevrolet pickup and a 2006 Chevrolet pickup, both stolen in Kern County. Investigation revealed that the suspects had been operating a chop shop at this location for several months. Power tools, hand tools, assorted vehicle parts and license plates from 15 other vehicles were located during a search of the premises.
The suspects were arrested for vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and operating a chop shop. One suspect was armed with a loaded pistol and was also charged with weapons possession as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm. All three vehicles were recovered and stored pending release to their owners. The collective value of the three vehicles recovered in this case is approximately $34,700.
The LoJack Vehicle Recovery System was installed in the Chevrolet pickup by Power Chevrolet in El Monte, California. This vehicle is valued at $5,300.