Vehicle Theft, Grand Theft, Possession of Stolen Property

(Vehicle Theft)

Between the dates of April 3, and May 27, 2020, the Moreno Valley Station Robbery Burglary Suppression Team (RBST) began investigating a series of vehicle and vehicle parts thefts occurring within the city of Moreno Valley. Through extensive work by patrol deputies, members of RBST, the citywide camera system and the public, a white Toyota Tacoma was identified as a suspect vehicle. Through these investigative leads, the suspect vehicle was observed in the area of Fir Ave. and Perris Blvd. within the city of Moreno Valley. A traffic stop was conducted, and two occupants were arrested without incident.

The two suspects were identified as, Jose Padilla 23 years old of Moreno Valley, and Raul Montes 27 years old of Moreno Valley. Padilla was arrested and booked for vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and is suspected of being responsible for over 20 grand thefts of vehicle tailgates. Montes was arrested and booked for a parole violation and possession of stolen property. This case is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Deputy Scott Anderson at 951-486-6700.