LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA – Two Oakland residents suspected in a string of auto burglaries in Lafayette were arrested Tuesday, August 12, in Stockton after law enforcement tracked down a stolen vehicle linked to the case.
Now, the Contra Costa Sheriff has released mug shots for each of the alleged burglars.
Lafayette police detectives had traveled to Stockton in search of the vehicle, which had been tied to multiple auto burglaries that occurred in Lafayette during July.
Upon locating the car, detectives alerted the Delta Regional Auto Theft Task Force (Delta RATT), a multi-agency team that includes officers from Stockton, Tracy, Manteca, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol.
Delta RATT officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver allegedly fled, leading police on a short pursuit before abandoning the car and running into an apartment. After a brief standoff, two individuals exited the apartment and were taken into custody.
The suspects were identified as:
- Leticia Fernandez, 25, of Oakland
- Charges: Vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, evading a peace officer, obstructing/resisting a public officer, conspiracy, and probation violation.
- She is being held without bail.
- Jose Luis Barajas Avalos, 29, of Oakland
- Charges: Vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, obstructing/resisting a public officer, conspiracy, and probation violation.
- He is also being held without bail.
According to authorities, both Fernandez and Barajas Avalos are suspects in additional crimes throughout the Bay Area. The investigation remains ongoing. Join our free 925 News newsletter so we can keep you updated.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Lafayette Police Department at (925) 283-3680. Tips can also be emailed to 94549Tips@gmail.com or submitted anonymously by calling (866) 846-3592.
