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A wave of Jeep thefts terrorizing San Diego County has led to arrests, a violent freeway chase and what authorities say may be the takedown of an organized auto theft ring.
Investigators with the Carlsbad Police Department said the theft spree has targeted newer-model Jeeps across the region, with at least 12 vehicles stolen since August 2025. Most of the thefts occurred under the cover of darkness during late-night hours.
The crime wave flared up again in early May when two more Jeeps were reported stolen in Carlsbad, prompting investigators to intensify efforts to track down those responsible.
The investigation ultimately led to arrests and a violent pursuit on a Southern California freeway, as authorities worked to unravel what they believe was a coordinated vehicle theft operation stretching across San Diego County.
The Carlsbad Police Department, working alongside the San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force, used Automated License Plate Reader data to zero in on a suspect vehicle believed to be tied to most of the thefts.
Detectives also determined the stolen Jeeps, and the suspected getaway vehicle, were frequently driven across the border into Mexico shortly after each crime.
On June 4, authorities launched a coordinated surveillance operation targeting the suspected crew.
Detectives ultimately spotted a Jeep they believed had just been stolen in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego.
When officers tried to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to pull over, sparking a high-speed chase that reached roughly 100 mph along southbound Interstate 5.
The pursuit continued into Chula Vista before the Jeep exited the freeway.
The chase ended violently near H Street and Broadway when the driver lost control and the vehicle rolled over.
The driver, identified as Jesus Lupian, 29, was taken to a hospital for evaluation before being booked into the San Diego Central Jail.
He now faces charges including vehicle theft, felony evading, conspiracy to commit vehicle theft, and possession of burglary tools.
Shortly after his arrest, investigators stopped a second suspect vehicle tied to the case.
Two additional suspects, Omar Quezada, 22, and Antonio Sanchez, 24, were detained and booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of vehicle theft, conspiracy, and possession of burglary tools.
Unless these two individuals were sentenced to state prison, they will likely be released back into the community.
Authorities say the coordinated takedown underscores the growing role of surveillance technology and regional cooperation in cracking organized auto theft operations.
In a separate incident out of Newport Beach, a rental company says it was hit in a costly border crossing scheme involving four compact Moke-style buggies allegedly worth more than $200,000, pop star Justin Bieber and Coachella.
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