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New details on gunmen accused of stealing vehicles in Phoenix area
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New details on gunmen accused of stealing vehicles in Phoenix area

PHOENIX (AZFamille) — We are learning new details about the armed robbers accused of stealing trucks across the valley for sale in Mexico.

The four suspects now face a range of charges, ranging from theft to counterfeiting to operating an illegal chop shop.

Arizona’s family spoke with several victims who shared that investigators told them the suspects were recruited by a criminal gang in Mexico and given $500 to drive stolen cars across the southern border.

The four masked men, caught on a homeowner’s surveillance video with AK-47-style rifles pointed at the door, are now linked to nearly a dozen car thefts.

Investigators say it started in late February and continued for months as they hit homes in Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Gilbert.

Police believe they are Jorge Aguilar, Andrew Reyes, Luis Rodriguez and Douglas Zelaya.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is investigating several car thefts in the Waddell area...
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several car thefts in the Waddell area, including one caught on camera where a thief is seen carrying an AK-47-style rifle.(courtesy image)

Detectives say the group targeted high-end trucks and cars.

They are accused of stealing mostly Chevrolets, including a Corvette, a Traverse, two Camaros and three Silverados.

But they also allegedly stole two GMC Sierras and a Nissan Altima.

According to court documents we obtained, the group would affix fake license plates, drive the vehicles to Mexico and sell them for cash.

Detectives believe the suspects took at least $100,000.

A victim said her truck was a total loss after investigators told her Zelaya led police on a chase south of Tucson, just days after the truck was stolen from the victim’s driveway in Phoenix.

All four suspects now face criminal charges and are being held in the Maricopa County Jail on $100,000 cash bail.

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