In San Diego County, the Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATT), led by California Highway Patrol (CHP), has been diligently working on a sting operation titled "Operation Sunrise" for the past year. As of yesterday, the operation has resulted in 50 Grand Jury indictments and shed light on the multifaceted criminal ecosystem that links auto thefts to drug trafficking, human smuggling, and more.
According to CBS8, an astonishing 172 stolen vehicles with an estimated value of $3.3 million have been recovered. Additionally, 14 firearms, including a fully automatic assault rifle and an AK-47, as well as ghost guns, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine are now off the streets as a result of the crackdown.
A yearlong undercover investigation emanating from an undercover storefront in El Cajon, saw officers infiltrate crime rings of auto theft in an effort to dismantle them from within. Through word-of-mouth and letting suspects come to them rather than reaching out, officers garnered invaluable intel that greatly contributed to the operation's success. The report mentioned that San Diego County was ranked third in the state for auto theft back in 2022, adding an unmistakable layer of imperative to this mission.
During a news conference, San Diego District Attorney division chief John Philpott explained, "We are on an international border. That is the type of thing that is a recipe for making auto theft attractive to certain people,” as quoted by NBC San Diego. The investigation has proven to be a constructive operation, with 31 suspects arrested and an additional 19 remaining at large.
These suspects are facing a wide range of felony charges, spanning from burglary and vehicle theft to drug possession, insurance fraud, and illegal sales of guns and ammunition. If convicted, the criminals face punishments ranging between 16 months to 17 years in prison.
