Two Arrested after Allegedly Being Caught with Stolen Plate, Cat. Converter and Other Items
Police in San Luis Obispo have arrested two people on suspicion of vehicle burglary and other crimes.
According to a department press release, Andrea Reyes (39) and Dustin Kinsey (44), both of Santa Maria, were arrested in connection to a reported vehicle burglary on February 7th, as well as for the alleged possession of illicit items discovered during a traffic stop.
Police received a call regarding the alleged burglary on the 1500 block of El Tigre. Witnesses reported seeing two subjects flee the area in a dark-colored Toyota Corolla, and a responding officer located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
The officer soon discovered that the rear plate on the Corolla did not match the vehicle’s VIN, and had actually been stolen from another vehicle in the same area as the previously reported burglary. This second theft had yet to be reported, police said.
Officers then searched the Corolla and reportedly discovered a stolen catalytic converter, a social security card belonging to another individual, a loaded handgun, a stun gun, shaved ignition keys, controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia.
Reyes was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, identity theft with a prior conviction, and other charges. Kinsey was arrested on suspicion of felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and possession of drug paraphernalia, among other charges.
Both were booked at the San Luis Obispo County jail.
The plate, social security card, and catalytic converter were all found to have been stolen from the El Tigre area. The plate and social security card were returned to their rightful owner, and likewise for the catalytic converter, according to police.
