Fresno, California, became the epicenter of a high-speed saga involving muscle Dodges and Jeeps and a band of car thieves in a plotline that could rival Hollywood's finest.
Over the past six months, the Fresno Police Department's Career Criminal Auto Theft Team (CCATT) has embarked upon an investigation to unmask a clandestine group with an appetite for muscle cars. The targets were not your everyday sedans—they were all high-performance American muscle: Dodge Chargers, Challengers, Durangos, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawks, Chevrolet Camaros, and some Infinitis.
The scale of the operation was nothing short of staggering. Over 75 stolen vehicles—a fleet of muscle cars and high-performance SUVs destined for illicit purposes—were involved, and their combined value is over $3 million.
The Chop Shops: Where Dreams Get Dismantled and Die
The investigation led authorities to two major garages: one in Huntington Park, Los Angeles County, and another in Fresno's backyard. These weren't your run-of-the-mill everyday shops. They were sophisticated operation centers where stolen vehicles were dismantled precisely, and then their parts were scattered into the black market. Think of it like this: Your missing Dodge Hellcat's engine might be roaring under the hood of another car somewhere in the USA, miles away.
The investigation's outcome was nothing short of cinematic. Coordinated raids resulted in seven arrests, and a whopping 110 felony counts were filed against the suspects. Detectives also seized ten firearms alongside the stolen vehicles and parts. Apparently, the villains were prepared to defend their turf by any means necessary.
Cooperation Leads to Success
The success of this operation wasn't solely due to the Fresno Police Department’s diligence. It was a collaborative effort, with support from the Clovis Police Department, Madera Police Department's Special Investigations Unit, Madera County Sheriff's Office, Fresno HEAT, California Department of Corrections, Los Angeles Sheriff's Office, and the Fresno County District Attorney's Office.
The operation shines a light on a growing concern. According to recent data, car theft has dramatically increased in recent years, with the western United States experiencing the highest rates. High-performance vehicles have become prime targets with their hefty price tags and high demand for parts for cheap. Owners are advised by the authorities to take extra precautions, such as installing tracking devices, using steering wheel locks, and parking in well-lit areas.
Pedal Commander Does All It Can to Protect Your Ride
Even though modern vehicles have numerous safety and protection features, the bust of this auto theft ring is a clear reminder that car theft is still a thing. It also shows the lengths criminals will go to. The investigation is a reminder for every car owner to remain proactive in safeguarding their pride and joys.
Pedal Commander is not only a performance upgrade. It is one of the simplest safety measures you can take—subscribe and activate the Pedal Commander’s Anti-Theft mode and add an extra layer of protection to your ride.
Pedal Commander’s Anti-Theft is an affordable way for additional safety. It costs less than a lousy gas station snack—you can try it for FREE for the first 14 days, and after the trial expires you can continue for $0.99 a month or $9.99 a year.
Subscription is super easy from your smartphone. You only need to run an equally easy calibration process to activate the feature. After all has been done, you can disable the gas pedal with a simple tap on your phone and get extra peace of mind knowing that your ride is protected against the unexpected!
DISCLAIMER: Pedal Commander’s anti-theft mode is an extra security measure and does not guarantee a complete prevention of vehicle theft.
Images: Fresno PD Facebook Page
