EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Five people were arrested for allegedly stealing 20 cars totaling over $600,000 in an apparent car theft ring from a West El Paso rental company, according to the El Paso Police Department (EPPD).
On Monday, Dec. 2, EPPD was called to investigate a reported burglary at 7214 N. Mesa.
EPPD revealed through an investigation that 20 cars were stolen from the property and the Auto Theft Task Force was assigned to the case, according to EPPD.
Within three hours, police were able to locate 10 vehicles throughout the city.
EPPD said that on Tuesday, Dec. 3, police apprehended Aaron Banda, 25, and David Saenz, 43, in connection with the auto thefts.
Auto Theft Task Force agents also located two additional stolen vehicles.
Edward William Duckworth, 29, was identified by police as the person in possession of all of the stolen cars at the time and was taken into custody, EPPD said.
Police tracked several of the stolen vehicles in Juarez and officers requested assistance from Mexican authorities.
EPPD said Mexican authorities identified two additional suspects, a 33-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man, and took them into custody.
EPPD said they were able to recover 15 of the initial 20 stolen vehicles, five vehicles remain unaccounted for:
The estimated amount of the stolen 20 cars totaled $675,000, EPPD said.
Banda was charged with two counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and one count of possession of a controlled substance.
Aaron Banda. Photo courtesy to EPPD
Saenz was charged with two counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and one count of theft of a vehicle.
David Saenz. Photo courtesy to EPPD.
Duckworth was charged with two counts of theft of a vehicle.
Edward William Duckworth. Photo courtesy of EPPD.
All three men have been booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility.
The Auto Theft Task Force is asking the community to contact police if they have any information regarding the theft. Community members can contact EPPD at the non-emergency number (915) 832-4400. To remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers of El Paso and be eligible for a cash reward by calling (915) 566-TIPS (8477)
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
