In early October of 2024, Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) detectives located three stolen vehicles in an alley behind a home in northwest Tucson. The stolen vehicles included a 2012 Nissan 370z, a 2015 Dodge Challenger, and a 2019 Dodge Charger Scat Pack.

Detectives initiated surveillance, and further investigation revealed the three stolen cars – along with other vehicles located at the residence - were associated with a car club involved in illegal street takeovers in Tucson. While conducting surveillance, detectives identified several suspects associated with the stolen vehicles and street takeovers.

On Oct. 19, detectives recovered the stolen Dodge Charger at a residence in Marana as it was being chopped and parted out. Two suspects - Jiovany Arellano, 21, and Cesar Duran, 31 - fled from the property on foot when detectives arrived. Both suspects were found nearby and were arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail on charges including theft of means of transportation, burglary in the third degree, and operating a chop shop.

The following Monday, Oct. 21, detectives served a residential search warrant at the residence in Tucson where the three stolen vehicles were originally located. Detectives recovered both the Nissan 370z and the Dodge Challenger, and also located a stolen 2006 Cadillac CTS in the yard.

Brandon Ortiz-Gonzales, 19, and Brian Ortiz-Gonzales, 22, were arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail on charges including theft of means of transportation, burglary in the third degree, and operating a chop shop.

Camron Patterson, 21, was also arrested on charges including theft of means of transportation and burglary in the third degree.

In total, detectives arrested five suspects, recovered four stolen vehicles, and seized an additional nine vehicles as evidence.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Vehicle Theft Task Force at [email protected].

The VTTF is comprised of city, county and state law enforcement agencies participating in a concerted effort to identify, apprehend and prosecute individuals and criminal organizations that profit from the theft of motor vehicles and related crimes.

The VTTF serves a vital mission on behalf of the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) to reduce vehicle theft in Arizona by deterring criminal activity through effective and proactive enforcement, prosecution and public awareness programs. The VTTF is substantially funded by an annual grant from the AATA.

An investigation conducted by Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) troopers and detectives helped ensure justice for two families after a tragic collision killed one child and seriously injured several other victims.

On Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, Andrea R. Crespin was sentenced to more than 22 years in prison for the 2022 wrong-way collision that resulted in the death of her young daughter and seriously injured several victims in another vehicle. Crespin, 32, will also face 10 years of probation following her release.

The fatal crash occurred on Aug.14, 2022, on Interstate 10 near milepost 287, in Vail, AZ. Crespin was driving a Mazda sedan eastbound in the westbound travel lanes when she collided head-on with a Toyota sedan. A Volkswagen sedan was also involved in the crash.

Crespin's 2-year-old daughter was unrestrained in the front passenger seat of the Mazda and was declared deceased at the scene. Crespin and two adult victims in the Toyota sustained serious injuries, while two children in the Toyota and the driver of the Volkswagen were not injured.

Blood tests after the crash revealed Crespin's blood alcohol concentration was more than three times the legal limit.

Based on all the evidence, witness and victim statements, and computer data collected from the Mazda, troopers and detectives developed probable cause to charge Crespin with second-degree homicide, aggravated assault, criminal damage, and endangerment.

In July of 2023, AZDPS Southern Major Crimes Unit detectives tracked Crespin to an apartment in Chandler. She was arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail on $500,000 bond.

After facing a 16-count indictment on felony charges, Crespin eventually pled guilty to manslaughter, aggravated assault and driving under the influence. Crespin was sentenced to 12 years in prison for manslaughter, 10 years in prison for aggravated assault, and four months for DUI, to be served consecutively.

Crespin's sentence is an important step toward justice for the families of the victims affected by this tragic incident. AZDPS remains committed to prioritizing accountability and justice for those whose reckless actions endanger innocent victims. The department extends our heartfelt condolences to the victims and the families of those involved, and we hope this sentence brings a measure of closure.