According to the El Cajon Police Department, law enforcement recovered five stolen vehicles and arrested ten individuals—including seven juveniles—involved in auto theft cases. The suspects' ages range from 27 to 56.
The arrests began on October 19 when Tedy Galvan Rocha was apprehended while driving a stolen 2014 BMW X5. Law enforcement also detected and repossessed a stolen 2014 Mercedes sedan, leading to the capture of five juveniles who had fled the scene. Authorities revealed that three of the captured juveniles were previously listed as runaways and were returned to their guardians.
The streak continued on October 22 and 23 as additional arrests were made. Lorenzo Escoto, a resident of National City, drove a stolen 2000 Honda CRV while Richardo Benavidez of El Cajon drove a stolen 1994 Nissan Sentra. Both males were detained. Officers also discovered stolen mail and cheques while arresting Escoto, pointing to other criminal activities.
On October 25, law enforcement discovered a stolen 2017 Kia Rio and pursued two escaping juveniles. Following the arrest, one juvenile, currently on probation, was taken to Juvenile Hall, with the other released to a parent.
The Sheriff's helicopter unit and dedicated officers were instrumental in the successful arrests and recoveries made within the context of this wave of thefts.
