BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Two Bakersfield men were arrested after police found them allegedly operating an auto repair shop in east Bakersfield following a foot chase from a suspected stolen vehicle, the California Highway Patrol said.
On August 7, detectives with the Kern County Auto Theft Task Force (KernCATT) responded to a car theft in the area of East Brundage Lane and Oswell Street.
KernCATT personnel were quick to locate the allegedly stolen car in the 500 block of Tanner Street. One of the suspects then ran on foot into a fenced area.
During the chase, investigators found a second alleged stolen vehicle, a GMC pickup truck, being disassembled by a second suspect. Both suspects attempted to flee and were later identified as Israel Cruz, 39, and Edgar Gonzalez, 38, both of Bakersfield.
Cruz and Gonzalez were immediately arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including operating an auto repair shop, auto theft, possession of stolen vehicles, and resisting arrest. Gonzalez had a felony warrant out for his arrest.
The vehicle originally suspected of being stolen was returned to its owner within an hour of the alleged theft, officials said.
The investigation was conducted by KernCatt, which is operated by detectives from the CHP, Bakersfield Police Department and Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
