CHP - Central Division

05/29/2026

🚔 AUTO THEFT & ILLEGAL FI****MS INVESTIGATION 🚔

In January 2026, Tulare County Regional Auto Theft Task Foce (TRATT) investigators arrested a Hanford man after he was found in possession of a VIN-switched stolen vehicle originally reported stolen out of Florida. During the investigation, cellular phones seized pursuant to a search warrant revealed evidence linking the suspect to multiple VIN-switched stolen vehicles.

Investigators uncovered a sophisticated operation in which vehicles stolen from the East Coast were transported to California, fraudulently re-registered using false identities, and resold to unsuspecting victims.

The investigation also revealed evidence connecting the suspect to multiple illegal firearm transactions. Over the following weeks, investigators conducted extensive surveillance, interviews, and multiple search warrants.

On May 21, 2026, investigators served search warrants at properties in Hanford and neighboring communities. During the operation, investigators recovered additional fi****ms and high-capacity magazines.

The suspect was arrested on charges including:
▪️ Auto Theft
▪️ Felon in Possession of a Firearm
▪️ Possession of a Machine Gun
▪️ Illegal Sale of a Firearm
▪️ Conspiracy

Investigators also identified an additional suspect as an active participant in the VIN-switch operation. She was arrested for auto theft and conspiracy charges.

This investigation remains ongoing.

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

🚨Major Auto Theft Ring Dismantled in Kern County🚨

Beginning in January 2026, a sophisticated theft crew targeted high-trim GMC and Chevrolet heavy-duty pickup trucks throughout the Bakersfield area. Investigators determined the suspects were able to disable alarms, bypass ignition systems, and steal the trucks within minutes. Over a two-month period, 22 trucks valued at nearly $2 million were stolen.

Detectives from the Kern County Auto Theft Taskforce (KernCATT) — comprised of personnel from the California Highway Patrol, Bakersfield Police Department, and Kern County Sheriff’s Office — launched a complex investigation involving surveillance operations and coordination with several allied agencies across California.

On April 14, 2026, KernCATT detectives responded to an in-progress vehicle theft and successfully prevented the theft of another GMC heavy-duty pickup truck. Two suspects were arrested after fleeing the scene. In the following weeks, investigators served multiple search warrants that led to the seizure of additional evidence linking the suspects to the theft ring.

Eight suspects from Arvin, CA, were arrested and booked on numerous felony charges, including vehicle theft, conspiracy, possession of stolen vehicles, burglary tools, and weapons-related offenses. Each suspect was held on $1,000,000 bail.

Outstanding teamwork and collaboration by all agencies involved helped bring this organized theft operation to an end. 👏

californiahighwaypatrol

05/26/2026

🚔 CHP Central Division officers worked tirelessly throughout the Memorial Day Holiday Enforcement Period to help keep California’s roadways safe.

During the enforcement period, officers issued 5,009 written citations, including:

✅ 397 seatbelt violations
🚗 3,048 speeding violations
🍺 183 DUI arrests

Tragically, despite enforcement efforts, there were still 3 fatal collisions during the holiday period. Two of those crashes involved unrestrained occupants, underscoring the critical importance of wearing a seatbelt every trip, every time.

Seatbelts save lives. Slow down, drive responsibly, and never drive impaired.

05/22/2026

Today in observance of National Pizza Party Day, Chipper stopped by to have a slice of pizza with the officers at the Sonora CHP office. If you are also celebrating National Pizza Day and choose to have an alcoholic beverage along with it, remember to designate a sober driver. Thank you Pizza Plus in Jamestown for preparing the pizzas for us!

05/22/2026

After 9 years of dedicated service, Senior Volunteer Tex Billings is officially hanging it up and retiring from the CHP family.

Tex has been a familiar face around the office and in the community, always ready to lend a helping hand, share a smile, and support our mission of keeping the public safe. His countless hours of volunteer service made a lasting impact on both our personnel and the community we proudly serve.

Thank you, Tex, for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment over the years. We wish you nothing but the best, you’ve certainly earned it.

Enjoy the open road, Tex… preferably at the speed limit. 🚔👏

➡️ If you are interested in becoming a CHP Senior Volunteer, contact the CHP Modesto Area office!