Phoenix-area raids result in 17 arrests, recovery of 24 stolen vehicles
Jun 13, 2018, 1:22 PM | Updated: Jun 14, 2018, 8:24 am
(Arizona Department of Public Safety)
(Arizona Department of Public Safety)
PHOENIX — Arizona law enforcement officials recovered 24 stolen vehicles and made 17 arrests in the Phoenix area in two operations this month.
On June 6-7, Vehicle Theft Task Force detectives, partnering with several West Valley police departments, conducted “saturation operations” that resulted in 15 arrests and 21 vehicle recoveries.
The joint effort also yielded 77 grams of methamphetamine, one gun and the closure of one chop shop.
The operations included Glendale, Goodyear, Peoria, Phoenix and Surprise police.
On June 5, a search warrant was served at a West Valley property, where officials found three three stolen vehicles, other stolen items and unspecified drugs.
Two men were arrested in that operation, and a chop shop was dismantled.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s SWAT team and Vehicle Theft Task Force and the Arizona Border Strike Force were involved in that investigation.
“Stolen vehicles are often driven to help facilitate other serious crimes and frequently have connections to border-related crimes,” Vehicle Theft Task Force Capt. Paul Etnire said in a news release.
“This operation is a great example of the partnership between local and state law enforcement, who worked together to provide a force multiplier in the fight against crime.”
