By Gina Yarbrough
East County, CA–Five people have been arrested in connection with stolen vehicles, identity theft, fake currency, catalytic converter theft, and drug possession in East County.
On December 29, a San Diego resident had his Subaru Outback stolen. On Saturday, deputies from the Lakeside Sheriff’s Substation spotted the stolen vehicle being driven near Greenfield Drive and Winrow Road in an unincorporated area of El Cajon, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop and arrested three people in connection with the auto theft. They were identified as 31-year-old David Hansen, 21-year-old Camaron McNeiece, and 41-year-old Jacob Cuadras, Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Shawn Wray said in a news release.
Sheriff’s detectives learned the suspects were staying at a home nearby.
Later in the day, deputies and detectives served a search warrant at a home in the 1200 block of North 1st Street. A search revealed identity theft information, freshly cut catalytic converters, a stolen motorcycle, stolen tools, counterfeit currency, methamphetamine, and stolen mail.
Deputies arrested 32-year-old Gerald Thorpe and 28-year-old Maegan Hobbs at the home in connection with the thefts.
Sheriff’s Department detectives will continue their investigation and try to identify all the victims in the connected theft cases.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department reminds the community to lock their vehicles, safeguard identifying information, and report all suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency.
