PHOENIX, Ariz. – In early October 2024, detectives from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) uncovered a network of stolen vehicles in Tucson, recovering four stolen cars and seizing nine additional vehicles linked to illegal activities.
The investigation began when VTTF detectives located three stolen vehicles—a 2012 Nissan 370z, a 2015 Dodge Challenger, and a 2019 Dodge Charger Scat Pack—in an alley behind a Tucson residence. Surveillance revealed these vehicles were associated with a car club involved in street takeovers across the area.
On October 19, detectives recovered the Dodge Charger at a Marana residence as it was being dismantled. Jiovany Arellano, 21, and Cesar Duran, 31, fled but were apprehended nearby and charged with theft of means of transportation, third-degree burglary, and operating a chop shop.
On October 21, detectives executed a search warrant at the initial Tucson residence, recovering the stolen Nissan 370z, Dodge Challenger, and a 2006 Cadillac CTS. Three additional suspects—Brandon Ortiz-Gonzales, 19, Brian Ortiz-Gonzales, 22, and Camron Patterson, 21—were arrested on charges similar to those of Arellano and Duran.
In total, five suspects were arrested, four stolen vehicles recovered, and nine vehicles seized for further investigation.
The VTTF, supported by the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA), is a collaborative effort among city, county, and state law enforcement to combat vehicle theft through enforcement, prosecution, and public awareness. Anyone with additional information can contact the VTTF at [email protected].