OXNARD : 2 Held in Alleged Auto Theft Ring

Oxnard police on Thursday were looking for more suspects in an alleged Tijuana-based auto theft ring after nabbing a pair who authorities say were in the process of dismantling two stolen cars.

Bike patrol Officer Billy Tatum arrested Jose Luis Bravo Sanchez, 31, of Tijuana and a 15-year-old juvenile after stumbling on the operation during his rounds in south Oxnard on Wednesday, police said.

Tatum was pedaling down an alley in the 5200 block of Charles Street about 1 p.m. when a man leaving a garage appeared startled to see him, officials said. The man went back into the garage and then fled with three other suspects, police said.

After a short chase, Tatum arrested Sanchez and the juvenile, police said. The two other suspects got away, officials said.

Investigators found a 1992 Chevy Suburban and a 1987 Pontiac Firebird in the garage, both partially dismantled. They also found new locks on the cars and believe the vehicles were being prepared for transport to Tijuana, officials said.

The automobiles were recently reported stolen from residents in Newbury Park and Oxnard, police said. Police believe the juvenile, whose name was not released because of his age, is responsible for several other stolen vehicles in the Oxnard area.