Deputies recover two stolen cars, arrest three people in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County Sheriff Deputies busted three car thieves over the weekend just hours after the cars were reported stolen.

According to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, the first car was stolen from outside a home in Live Oak Sunday night. The owner immediately called 911. Within minutes the car was located on Capitola Road and two suspects were inside. Deputies arrested Watsonville resident Jose Luis Arroyo and a male juvenile. Both Arroyo and the juvenile were booked into County Jail and Juvenile Hall for vehicle theft.

The second car theft occurred while the owner was at work in Gilroy, Sunday night.

The Sheriff’s Office said, when the car owner finished her shift she noticed her car was gone. Just a few hours later, Deputy Escalante found the car with suspect, Leonel Martinez inside.

Martinez was arrested for vehicle theft as well as outstanding warrants for vehicle theft.