Dennis RomeroDetectives got a tip about a location where stolen cars might be stashed, and they hit the jackpot.
The L.A. County Sheriff's Department says it recovered three “classic cars” when it checked out the address. We beg to differ on that that (a 1984 Cadillac Coupe De Ville hardly counts as a classic in our book), but it was a heroic haul nonetheless:
The department this week says that after checking out four vehicles at the Mojave location, it found that three had vehicle identification numbers that had been switched.
Ultimately detectives discovered the rides were hot.
They included the aforementioned Cadillac, stolen Oct. 26, 2002; a muscle car, a rare 1987 Buick Grand National, stolen July 29, 2002; and a 1965 Buick Riviera, also stolen on October 26, 2002.
Credit: Just like the French Riviera, only Mexican. Via LASD.
The thefts were reported by the LAPD 11 years ago.
The Taskforce for Regional Autotheft Prevention (TRAP) made the finds, according to the sheriff's department.
They also say they discovered a stolen Beretta 12-gauge shotgun, which was enough to put a suspect at the location in jail for allegedly being an ex-felon with a firearm.
Credit: Buick Grand National via LASD
We reached out to a sheriff's detective to get some more deets on this alleged car guy but had yet to hear back.
The District Attorney's office will weigh whether or not being around those allegedly stolen rides justifies filing charges against the guy, deputies say.
In the meantime, some lucky car owners will probably be psyched to have their rides back. The Buicks in particular have only appreciated with age, to be sure.
Send feedback and tips to the author. Follow Dennis Romero on Twitter at @dennisjromero. Follow LA Weekly News on Twitter at @laweeklynews.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.