Two Additional Crimes Solved Through Recovery of Stolen Vehicle

Maricopa County — On Monday, February 13, 2017, State detectives with the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s (AZDPS) Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) located a vehicle that was stolen during a strong arm robbery – carjacking. The stolen vehicle was used during several other robberies and theft in Phoenix. Detectives also learned the vehicle and suspects were involved in a near fatal stabbing in Chandler.
 
As the VTTF conducted surveillance of the stolen vehicle in the east valley, detectives observed two males and one female occupying the stolen vehicle. Due to the dangerous and violent background of the suspects, the Department’s SWAT team stopped the vehicle a short time later. Although one suspect attempted to flee on foot, all three suspects were taken into custody without incident. VTTF detectives notified the Phoenix and Chandler Police Departments and are assisting in order to close the various investigations related to the suspects.
 
The VTTF serves as a statewide resource to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals and criminal organizations that profit from the theft of motor vehicles and related crimes. VTTF is comprised of city, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies participating in a concerted effort to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals and criminal organizations that profit from the theft of motor vehicles and related crimes. The AVTTF provides a vital mission on behalf of the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) to reduce vehicle theft in Arizona by deterring criminal activity through aggressive, proactive enforcement and by creating a public awareness through community education. Through continued grant funding from AATA, the VTTF will continue to provide exemplary services to the citizens of Arizona.