Auto theft sting operation results in 64 arrests
After eight months of investigation, 64 people were arrested on Tuesday in connection with a network of North County auto theft rings.
“Operation Perfect Storm” had undercover detectives begin to infiltrate multiple unrelated operations starting in August, California Highway Patrol Commander Scott Parker said. The officers then proceeded to set up a storefront to buy stolen property.
92 stolen vehicles were seized during the operation, as well as 10,000 rounds of ammunition, nine guns, and drugs. Some stolen military gear was also recovered.
The 64 defendants were accused in 30 separate cases back in May, with over 90 witnesses testifying in front of the grand jury. Over 50 arrests were made this past Tuesday, with 14 people remaining at large. Among those arrested were seven Marines and a sailor.