PHOENIX — On February 5, 2026, detectives with the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) executed a search warrant in Queen Creek, resulting in the recovery of six high-value vehicles connected to a vehicle theft and fraud investigation. Detectives identified one vehicle reported stolen and five others acquired through fraudulent means.

The vehicles include Audis, BMWs, and Mercedes-Benz luxury cars, with an estimated combined value of approximately $700,000.

VTTF officials emphasize that obtaining a vehicle through fraudulent means is treated no differently than traditional vehicle theft. Individuals engaged in these schemes are subject to full investigative efforts and will be prosecuted accordingly.

“The VTTF remains committed to protecting Arizona consumers and businesses from vehicle theft in all its forms,” said Captain Trevor Graff, District Commander of the VTTF. “Fraudulent purchases are not victimless crimes, and we will continue to pursue those who attempt to exploit private sellers, lenders, and dealerships.”

The Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force serves an essential role on behalf of the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) by working proactively to reduce vehicle theft throughout Arizona. Their work is supported by an annual grant from the AATA, enabling them to deter vehicle theft through enforcement, prosecution, and public awareness programs.

The Arizona Commercial Vehicle Safety Partnership (ACVSP) will conduct its annual “Operation Southern Shield” from Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, through Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, on Interstate 10 from Phoenix to the New Mexico state line and on Interstate 19 from Tucson to the international border.

The ACVSP comprises Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers and Arizona Department of Transportation Enforcement and Compliance Division officers. During this year’s operation, more than 80 commercial vehicle enforcement inspectors from the ACVSP, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, the Marana Police Department, the Buckeye Police Department, the Goodyear Police Department, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are committed to reducing the risk of commercial vehicle-involved collisions. Enforcement efforts will be conducted along I-10 and I-19 with special emphasis placed on motor carrier safety regulations, including driver qualifications, hours of service, and overall safe operations.

Inspectors and enforcement officers will target hazardous moving violations, distracted driving, and seat belt violations while conducting commercial vehicle inspections to ensure commercial drivers and vehicles comply with commercial vehicle regulations and state laws.

The mission of the Arizona Commercial Vehicle Safety Partnership is to ensure safe, secure, and efficient commercial transport across Arizona.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is providing updated information regarding the upcoming funeral services honoring Pilot Robert Skankey and Trooper Paramedic Hunter Bennett, who were killed in the line of duty on February 4, 2026.

Both services will be available via livestream at azdps.gov/live.

Kingman Service for Pilot Robert Bruce Skankey

Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

610 Eastern St., Kingman, AZ 86401

Important Service Information: To ensure a safe and orderly environment for all attendees, parking at the church will be restricted to placarded vehicles only. All other attendees will be directed to park at Hualapai Elementary School. The elementary school will also serve as overflow seating for the service.

Gilbert Service for Trooper Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett

Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Mission Church

4450 E Elliot Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234

Important Service Information: Placarded vehicles will have a designated parking area. Additional parking on church property is extremely limited, and off-site parking options will also be restricted due to another event occurring in the area. Media vehicles will not be permitted to park on church property, but can park across from the church on the south side of Elliot Road.

**Special Note Regarding Drone Restrictions: During this service, law enforcement will operate drones as part of safety and security operations. To maintain a safe airspace and avoid interference, no other drones may be flown in the area, including those operated by media outlets or private individuals.

To learn more about Pilot Skankey and Trooper Paramedic Bennett, please see our news release from Feb. 6, 2026.

The Department remains deeply grateful for the public's outpouring of support during this profoundly difficult time.