Home / Crime and Justice / High-Speed Chase Ends Jeep Theft Spree
High-Speed Chase Ends Jeep Theft Spree
11 Jun
Summary
- Organized Jeep theft ring busted in San Diego.
- Suspects drove stolen Jeeps across border.
- Arrests made after freeway pursuit and rollover crash.
A sophisticated vehicle theft operation targeting newer-model Jeeps across San Diego County has been disrupted by law enforcement. Investigators believe at least 12 Jeeps were stolen since August 2025, often under the cover of darkness and frequently driven into Mexico shortly after being taken.
The Carlsbad Police Department, in collaboration with the San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force, utilized Automated License Plate Reader data to identify a suspect vehicle. A coordinated surveillance operation on June 4 led to the spotting of a recently stolen Jeep in the Hillcrest neighborhood.
An attempt to stop the vehicle initiated a pursuit reaching approximately 100 mph on southbound Interstate 5. The chase ended violently in Chula Vista when the driver lost control, causing the Jeep to roll over. Jesus Lupian, 29, was arrested and faces multiple charges. Two other suspects, Omar Quezada, 22, and Antonio Sanchez, 24, were later detained on related charges, highlighting the effectiveness of technological surveillance and regional cooperation in combating organized auto theft.
