Full Notification

On December 31, 2024, at approximately 0130 hours, a Simi Valley resident in the 3000 block of Fletcher Ave awoke to the sound of his pick-up truck starting in his driveway. Upon investigation, he discovered the truck was missing and observed broken glass on the driveway. He could hear the distinct sound of the truck’s exhaust a few streets away.

The truck was described as a white and black Ram TRX with temporary license plates. A short time later, a Simi Valley Police Department officer located the stolen truck traveling eastbound on the 118 Freeway. When the officer attempted a traffic enforcement stop, the truck failed to yield, resulting in a vehicle pursuit.

The pursuit continued into Los Angeles, ultimately ending when the driver lost control of the truck while attempting to transition from the eastbound 118 Freeway to the northbound 405 Freeway. The truck collided with a guardrail, and the suspect fled on foot. Following a brief foot pursuit, the suspect, identified as Jose Loeza (a 20 year-old Bakersfield resident), was apprehended.  Loeza was the only occupant in the vehicle.

Loeza was arrested for vehicle theft, reckless evading a peace officer, and obstucting/delaying a peace officer.  He was booked at the Ventura County Sheriff's Jail.