Los Angeles: On Friday, June 13, 2003, the Community Effort to Combat Auto Theft (CECAT) Unit which consists of officers from the Los Angeles Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau went to Roscoe Boulevard and Laurel Canyon Boulevard in an effort to search for stolen cars.

After a brief search of the area, the CECAT officers located a stolen vehicle at Neenach Street and Laurel Canyon Boulevard. The car had been stolen the night before from Devonshire Division. The Officers decided to conduct a surveillance on the car. About 30 minutes later the officers saw two suspects approach the car. The two suspects got into the stolen car and drove away. The officers followed the suspects to a residence located in the 12000 block of Neenach Street. The CECAT Officers decided to stop the suspects when the suspects pulled the stolen car into the driveway of the residence. Both suspects got out of the car and began to run away from the officers. After a short foot pursuit both suspects were taken into custody.

An investigation of the residential location revealed it to be a chop shop. A total of three vehicles were impounded and many other auto parts were found and taken into police custody as evidence.

The CECAT Unit asked North Hollywood patrol officers to stop a second car that was seen driving away from the chop shop. Two additional suspects were taken into custody for the stolen vehicle investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or for further information please contact Sergeant John Artes, CECAT Unit at 818-756-8138.

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Renee’ Montoya, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.