Greenfield Police say suspect could have stolen more cars

GREENFIELD, Calif. (KION-TV)- UPDATE ON FEB. 1, 2024 AT 4:00 PM: Greenfield police said that David Aguilera stole up to three vehicles and that number may go up.

Police also said they found vehicle parts inside at least four different stolen cars.

Investigators said that Aguilera acted alone and said there is not one specific spot where the car thefts and car break-ins are happening.

"They happen throughout the city," said Leonel Guzman, Sergeant for Greenfield Police. "We don't have one specific location where it's targeting the most, we see them happening everywhere in the city, and mainly, throughout residential zones, not so much industrial zones."

Police said the car thefts and break-ins typically happen at night.

Investigators said last year there were 41 car thefts in the city, and so far this year there has been five. Police recommend people not to park their car in a dark area, but rather somewhere where there's lights.

Guzman also said to not have valuable things inside your car.

Man arrested after police discover a 'chop shop' in a Greenfield home

On Monday afternoon, Greenfield Police arrested a 34-year-old Greenfield man after they discover an alleged 'chop shop' in a home.

Officers said that they served a search warrant at a house on the 300 block of Thorp Avenue. Police identified the suspect as David Aguilera.

Investigators said that they discovered stolen property from multiple vehicles and discovered a 'chop shop' that was found at the house.

Police were able to recover a stolen vehicle from the home.

During the search, Cesar Chavez Elementary School was placed on a brief lockdown due to an abundance of caution according to police.

Aguilera was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on multiple charges including unlawful paraphenila and possession of burglary tools.

Officers did add that they have seen an series of vehicle thefts and break-ins.