Sonora, CA…The Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force on 06/13/17, was in the area of West Main St in Turlock when they located a 2012 Kenworth Big Rig that had been reported stolen to Oakdale PD. StanCATT conducted surveillance on the vehicle. The vehicle became mobile and started to drive through Stanislaus County. While conducting surveillance on the big rig, StanCATT was able to positively identify the driver as James Sass, 36, from Turlock. James Sass was known to have a Felony No Bail warrant issued out of Stanislaus County for a prior auto theft case.

While conducting surveillance of the stolen big rig, StanCATT observed a GMC pickup following the stolen big rig. The Kenworth and GMC made their way through Waterford and Knights Ferry before entering Tuolumne County. Both vehicles arrived in Jamestown.

StanCATT requested the assistance of the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, CHP-Sonora, CHP-Modesto and CHP-Central Division Air Operations Air 43. All involved agencies continued to conduct surveillance.

Both vehicles became mobile again and started to exit Jamestown and drove toward Sonora. We were able to conduct an enforcement stop. James Sass was detained. Mark Smith, 48, of Hughson and Derrick Delhart, 51, of Hughson were arrested in the GMC. All 3 were arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Men’s Jail to be booked on charges including vehicle theft, conspiracy and warrants. The Kenworth was returned to the owner at the scene.

This was an outstanding team effort and wouldn’t have been made possible if it wasn’t for the cooperation through all agencies involved.