Montebello Police Notice Missing Patrol Vehicle Four Days After It Was Stolen

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MONTEBELLO, Calif. – Montebello Police are asking for the public’s help to locate a stolen patrol vehicle. Police officials said that the vehicle was last driven by authorized personnel on May 16, 2019, at around 5:00 p.m. and was assigned to be driven again on May 21, 2019.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at around 3:00 p.m. the Montebello Police personnel discovered that the marked vehicle was not in the assigned parking stall at the police facility. When noticed, a teletype was sent to all law enforcement agencies in an attempt to locate the missing vehicle. All local repair shops and other vendors were contacted to make sure that the vehicle was not being repaired. All keys were also accounted for.

Surveillance was reviewed before the vehicle was reported stolen. The 2018 Ford Explorer with a white roof, white doors, and the rest black was seen being taken from the public police department parking lot on May 17th at around 2:23 a.m. The unknown subject could be seen entering the vehicle and driving the vehicle away around 10 seconds after. Although locked and secured in the vehicle, the vehicle contained a loaded AR-15, a loaded shotgun and a loaded less lethal shotgun.

This vehicle is designated as Unit #9, with a California Exempt license plate number of 1429238. The words “Montebello Police” are indicated on both sides of the vehicle and on the rear. The number 9 is located on the roof with the letters “MTB”, and on the front fenders and the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle is also equipped with an overhead light bar.

Authorities are attempting to locate the vehicle using GPS and other tools available. The vehicle has also been added into the stolen vehicle system. Investigators are asking that anyone with information that may assist them in the investigation calls

Efforts to locate the vehicle are underway, including the use of GPS and other investigative tools available to law enforcement.

The vehicle has been entered into the stolen vehicle system. Investigators are asking that anyone with information that would assist investigators with locating this vehicle to please call the Montebello Police Department at 323 887-1313 or Detective Paul Antista at 323-887-1249. If the vehicle is seen parked or moving; callers are urged to dial 911.

Callers wishing to remain Anonymous with information, may call “Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-8477, or use a smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” mobile app on the Apple or Google Play Store or by using the website, http://www.lacrimestoppers.org .