(CNS)
Posted Wednesday January 25, 2012– 11:30am
Police announced today the arrests of two men for
their alleged involvement in a sophisticated auto-theft ring responsible for
the theft last fall of actor John Travolta's vintage Mercedes-Benz, which was
recovered.
Michael Green, 58, was arrested on Dec. 6 and D.L. Rayford Jr., 52, was
taken into custody on Dec. 19, said Santa Monica police Sgt. Richard Lewis.
Last Sept. 18, Travolta's 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was stolen after he
parked it on the street in a residential area and went to a nearby Jaguar
dealership.
"Detectives obtained video footage of the vehicle and the suspects as
the vehicle was being stolen," Lewis said. "In addition, detectives received
several valuable tips from the public after the initial information was
released to the public through the media."
An investigation was conducted by Santa Monica police and a task force
that includes personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los
Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol.
"Through the collaborative efforts of investigators ... two individuals
were identified as suspects relating to the theft of Mr. Travolta's Mercedes,
and were arrested by investigators from the task force," Lewis said.
The men allegedly were involved in a sophisticated auto-theft ring that
targeted older-model Mercedes and muscle cars. Detectives shut down the ring,
and recovered Travolta's Mercedes and seven other stolen vehicles.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Santa Monica
police Detective Steve Smetzer, (310) 458-8936; or Detective George Molina of
the Task Force for Regional Auto Theft Prevention, (818) 830-6977. Tipsters may
also call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.
Copyright
© 2012 City News Service
News Tip? Email dmurphy@bhcourier.com
Twitter:@bhcourier
Facebook:@bhcourier
Youtube:@beverlyhillscourier
