Clearlake >> Last week Clearlake police, responding to an anonymous tip, arrested Rebecca Vasquez of Cobb for possession of a stolen vehicle. According to a press statement by Sgt. Rodd Joseph, Vasquez, 26 of Cobb, is a convicted felon and gang member.
On the morning of Jan. 20 officers were dispatched to a report of a suspicious red vehicle in the area of 28th Ave, east of Boyles Ave. The anonymous caller reported seeing the red vehicle speeding on 28th Ave. before being parked in a vacant wooded lot on the south side of the road. Prior to police arriving in the area, the anonymous caller added to the report, informing law enforcement officers that the female driver got out of the vehicle, begin searching the trunk area and also wiping down the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
Police Chief Craig Clausen was the first officer to arrive. He located the red 2012 Chevy Sonic parked in the wooded lot as reported. He also observed a female suspect wiping down the exterior of the vehicle with Armor All, apparently to conceal evidence according to Joseph.
Lt. Tim Celli and Sgt. Joseph also responded.
Vasquez was contacted as she was still wiping down the exterior of the car. According to police reports, she initially claimed it was her boyfriend’s vehicle but she could not recall his name. She was found to be in possession of the vehicle keys. Dispatch advised officers that the vehicle was a reported stolen vehicle out of the city of Santa Rosa. Vasquez could not provide a coherent statement as to how she came into possession of it.
The vehicle was towed from the scene and returned to the legal owner. Vasquez was later booked into the Lake County jail.
According to the Santa Rosa Police Department report, the vehicle was initially stolen in Santa Rosa on the early morning hours of Jan. 19. The suspect, who was not known to the victim, was described and is a close match to that of Vasquez’ physical description.
The case has been referred to the Lake County District Attorney’s Office for charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, and to the Santa Rosa Police Department for any additional follow up needed. If Vasquez can be identified as the suspect in original vehicle theft and additional charges brought against her, any additional charges would likely be prosecuted by the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information on this vehicle theft is asked to contact the Clearlake Police Department.
