Officers bust vehicle theft ring in Palm Springs
The man arrested after a raid in Palm Springs Tuesday morning has been charged with seven felony counts.
26-year-old Guilherme Oliveira is faced with grand theft auto, operating a chop shop and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, among other charges. He was arrested after California Highway Patrol officers from the Border Division in San Diego conducted an investigation into a vehicle-theft ring at the home located at 1944 Desert Park Avenue.
“There was some items related to the fruits of the crime, located in the house. These items assisted in more investigation,” said CHP investigator John Gette.
Investigators located three vehicles; two Toyota Tacomas and a Ford F-250.
Neighbors were awoken by police sirens and the voice of an investigator trying to coax Oliveira and other occupants out of the home around 6:30 a.m.
“I saw a police car out there. Several undercover police vehicles and guys in riot gear,” said neighbor Cyndi Klabbers, who ran out of her home to see what the commotion was.
Investigators said the ring was run out of the home and that it was possible there were other locations across Southern California.
Neighbors told KESQ News Channel 3’s and CBS Local 2’s Katie Widner that are not surprised, as it could happen anywhere.
“I guess I did see some of those vehicles out front,” said Hayden Vaughn, who lives in the area. “This is not necessarily more crime ridden than other neighborhoods, but it’s definitely here.”
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