Satellite Radio Helps Track a Stolen Car

On January 7, 2016, at approximately 8:35 pm, Santa Cruz Police we responded to a report of a Carjacking in the 100 block of Baldwin Street.   Thanks to the help of Sirius XM radio, we were able to track and recover the stolen car in San Mateo County.  Unfortunately, our suspect managed to escape capture. 

The victim reported that he parked his car in the 100 block of Baldwin Street.  While walking to his home, the victim was approached by the suspect, who demanded the keys to the victim’s car.  The suspect brandished an assault style rifle at the victim while repeating his demand for the keys.  The victim turned over the keys.  The suspect took the car and headed north on Baldwin Street.

Responding officers utilized the “Project ROPE” protocol (a program where officers station at strategic locations throughout the county).  Approximately 10 minutes later, the stolen car was spotted by a Santa Cruz officer at Highway 1 and Western Drive.  The vehicle briefly pulled to the side of the road, but then accelerated away from the officer northbound on Highway 1.  The vehicle quickly reached a speed of 100+ MPH.  Because of the excessive speeds, wet roadways and cross traffic, SCPD discontinued the pursuit after approximately 1 mile.

SCPD had the victim activate a Sirius XM satellite radio feature which tracks the vehicle.  SCPD dispatch received periodic updates on the car’s location from the service.  The suspect eventually drove into San Mateo County, where their Deputies spotted the vehicle and initiated a short pursuit.  San Mateo terminated their pursuit and monitored the vehicle’s travel through the Sirius XM radio tracking.  The car eventually was tracked to a rural roadway off Highway 84 in San Mateo County. 

Because of the remote location, darkness, and the potential that the suspect had a high-powered rifle, the decision was made to monitor the car overnight and recover it this morning.  San Mateo County Deputies monitored the vehicle location and used a helicopter to search the surrounding area.  The suspect was not located.

SCPD Detectives coordinated with San Mateo County Deputies and successfully recovered the victim’s car this morning (Friday January 8th).   Many kudos to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.  Very solid work and coordination by their Deputies. 

SCPD Detectives will process the car for evidence and return it to the victim. Detectives are also pouring over private video from the area in an attempt to locate a possible suspect and/or associates. 

The recovered stolen car is a 2015 Lexus RCF Coupe.  

Photo:  Courtesy Lexus.com

The suspect was described as a White Male Adult approx. 20-25 years.  The suspect had a bandanna covering his face.  He was wearing a baseball hat, black jacket and jeans.  The suspect may have been associated with another car seen in the area at the time of the carjacking.  That vehicle is described as a black 4 door sedan similar in appearance to a Toyota Prius. 

Father and Son Arrested During Carjacking and Attempt Homicide Investigation

Arrested:

John Thomas, Jr., 39 years old – Santa Cruz Resident

Brandon Thomas, 21 years old – Santa Cruz Resident

A father and son are in custody in Santa Cruz County Jail for crimes of violence and possession of a firearm charges after an investigation into a Carjacking and Attempted Murder. 

On Wednesday December 18, 2013, Santa Cruz Police arrested John Thomas, Jr. (39 years old) in connection with an Attempted Carjacking and Attempted Homicide in the 100 block of Bixby Street. 

At approximately 6:50 PM officers responded to a report of an attempted carjacking in the 100 block of Bixby Street.  Officers contacted the victims, a 46 year old man and 3 members of his family (wife and 2 children) from Live Oak.  The victim family was delivering holiday tamales to their son’s teacher and parked in the 100 block of Bixby Street.  While the family was parked, suspect John Thomas approached the car and demanded entry. 

Thomas was armed with a revolver handgun and pointed it at the occupants of the car. At one point he pounded on the window with the butt of the handgun attempting to gain entry.   The woman was able to grab her 3 month old baby and flee from the car, while the male victim was confronted by Mr. Thomas. 

During the confrontation, suspect Thomas actually pointed the handgun at the victim’s chest and pulled the trigger several times.  Detectives later recovered the discarded firearm and learned Mr. Thomas actually had the wrong ammunition loaded.  Mr. Thomas had .380 caliber ammunition intended for a semi-automatic handgun, loaded into a .38 caliber revolver.  Because of this, thankfully, the firing pin did not strike bullet primer to fire the gun. 

A description of suspect John Thomas, Jr. was broadcast and he was located by other responding officers in the 300 block of Ocean St. He was safely taken into custody and positively identified as the suspect.   Detectives canvassed the area and found Mr. Thomas’ discarded handgun also in the 300 block of Ocean Street. 

While investigating this case, officers learned of a second case, where Mr. Thomas pointed his handgun at the occupants of a passing car and attempted to get the driver to stop. 

John Thomas, Jr. is currently on parole for violent crimes in Santa Cruz.  His arrest record dates back to 1992 for various crimes of violence, including crimes of violence while in prison.  John Thomas, Jr. is a validated prison gang member.  His history since release from prison includes several arrests for violating his terms of parole. 

John Thomas, Jr. was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on charges including, (1) Carjacking, (2) Attempted Homicide, (3) Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and (4) Violation of Parole.  

On Thursday December 19^th, Detectives served a search warrant at Mr. Thomas’ residence in the 300 block of Soquel Ave.  In the course of serving that search warrant, Mr. Thomas’ son, 21 year old Brandon Thomas approached the home and confronted officers.  Brandon Thomas was detained and searched where he was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun.   Brandon Thomas is identified as a Norteno gang member affiliating with Westside Nortenos in Santa Cruz. 

Brandon Thomas was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail for being in possession of a loaded firearm as well as enhancements for participation in a criminal street gang.  Detectives obtained a bail increase to $100,000.