BAKERSFIELD,
Calif. – Detectives from the Kern County Auto Theft Task Force (KernCATT) responded
to a vehicle theft which occurred near E. Brundage Lane and Oswell Street in
Bakersfield Calif. Investigators, quickly located the stolen vehicle, which
resulted in the discovery of a Chop Shop and the arrest of Israel Cruz, 39 and
Edgar Gonzalez, 38, of Bakersfield, Calif.
On August 7,
2024, KernCATT investigators, responded to a report of a stolen vehicle. Within
ten minutes of the reported theft, multiple KernCATT units located the stolen vehicle
within the 500 block of Tanner Street. As KernCATT detectives approached, the suspect
spotted them and fled on foot, heading west into a fenced and visually obscured
area of the property as a foot pursuit ensued.
During the
foot pursuit, detectives uncovered a second stolen vehicle, a GMC pickup in the
process of being dismantled, along with a second suspect actively working on
the vehicle. Both suspects attempted to escape, but they were apprehended
shortly after by KernCATT detectives and deputies from the Kern County
Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).
The
suspects, identified as Israel Cruz, 39, and Edgar Gonzales, 38, were arrested
and charged with multiple offenses, including operating a chop shop, vehicle
theft, possession of stolen vehicles, and resisting arrest. Upon further
investigation, Gonzales was found to have an outstanding felony warrant. The initial
stolen vehicle was returned to its rightful owner within an hour of the initial
theft.
The Kern
County Auto Theft Taskforce (KernCATT) consists of detectives from the
California Highway Patrol, Bakersfield Police Department, and the Kern County
Sheriff's Office. KernCATT remains committed to reducing vehicle theft and
related crimes in Kern County through aggressive enforcement and educational
initiatives.
The
mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and
Security.
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