Vehicle theft suspects arrested in Stockton after Lafayette crime spree

(KRON) — Two suspects who police believe committed multiple vehicle burglaries in Lafayette last month were arrested Tuesday in Stockton, according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

Detectives with the Lafayette Police Department were in Stockton on Tuesday attempting to locate a vehicle that was reported stolen. The stolen vehicle was “associated with suspects who were wanted for committing multiple auto burglaries in Lafayette in July,” the sheriff’s office said.

Detectives found the stolen vehicle and notified the Delta Regional Auto Theft Task Force Team (Delta RATT). The task force, which consists of officers from several law enforcement agencies, spotted the vehicle and began a pursuit, authorities said.

A woman then fled on foot and barricaded herself inside an apartment, according to the sheriff’s office. The suspect and another person were later taken into custody when they came out of the residence.

The woman was identified by authorities as Leticia Fernandez, 25, of Oakland. She was arrested and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail for vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, evading a peace officer, obstructing a public officer, conspiracy and probation violation.

The other suspect was identified as Jose Luis Barajas Avalos, 29, of Oakland. He was arrested and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail for vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, obstructing a public officer, conspiracy and probation violation.

The two suspects, according to authorities, are suspects in additional crimes in the Bay Area. Both Fernandez and Barajas Avalos are being held in jail without bail.