5 Arrested Suspected Of Belonging To Organized Car Theft Ring In Tulsa

Tulsa Police arrested five people suspected of belonging to an organized car theft ring that’s been stealing expensive cars in Bixby, Jenks and South Tulsa.

News On 6 showed surveillance video of the suspects Wednesday on News On 6 as neighbors in that area were very frustrated at all the car thefts and car break-ins in recent weeks.

Related Story: Tulsa, Bixby Neighbors Frustrated After Security Camera Catches String Of Car Break-ins, Thefts

Police said Jacob Villavicencio and Emillio Carranza and teenagers were arrested after leading police on a chase Wednesday night. Police believe as many as 15 people may be involved and have stolen at least 20 cars.

Investigators said most of the cars had the doors unlocked and keys inside, so locking your doors can help you protect your vehicle.

Investigators said so far, they have recovered seven of the stolen vehicles. They say the suspects are using the stolen cars for joyriding and to commit other crimes.

“One of the biggest issues we are dealing with is firearms. Yesterday we recovered three firearms from this group, and they told us they estimate they have about 10 to 15 firearms that they've taken in the last two weeks, that are out on the streets right now,” said Lieutenant Chase Calhoun with Tulsa Police Auto Theft.

If you think you are a victim and live in Bixby, Jenks, or South Tulsa area, call police and ask to speak directly with the auto theft unit.