CLEARLAKE >> Acting on a tip, the Clearlake Police Department has recovered the “Food Truck” trailer that was reported stolen from the Lakeport Senior Center. The trailer has been returned to a representative of the center and two suspects have been arrested for allegedly possessing the stolen trailer and removing items.
On Thursday CPD received information from a confidential source that the trailer reported stolen out of Lakeport was in the area of 22nd Avenue and Irving Avenue in the City of Clearlake. At approximately 5 p.m., officers Mark Harden and Travis Parson responded to the area. They found two suspects stripping parts from the trailer, including removing the license plate from it.
The license plate that being removed by the suspects did not match the trailer.
The suspects removing items from the trailer were identified as Ian James, 39, and Victoria James, 29, both of Clearlake. The Officers ran the vehicle identification number but learned that number was not on file.
According to CPD Lt. Tim Celli, Dispatcher Alexis Anderson contacted the California Highway Patrol to verify the agency took the stolen vehicle report. Anderson confirmed the report was taken by CHP, however one number was off on the VIN. This issue was later clarified, but because of the discrepancy, Anderson located the photo of the trailer and copied the photograph to Officer Harden who was able to make a positive identification.
Through investigation, the suspects stated that they found the trailer on the side of the road and were preparing to live in it. Other statements made by the suspects were inconsistent and it was determined there was probable cause to arrest them for possession of stolen property.
Ian and Victoria James were later booked into the Lake County Jail.
Celli credited the Dispatcher’s determination and the investigation of the officers for the quick recovery of the stolen property.
