Police uncover vehicle theft ring in Dededo

by Nick Delgado

Guam - An arrest made earlier this week led Guam police criminal investigation section agents to a residence in the Swamp road area of Dededo where they uncovered what is believed to be a vehicle theft ring. The search warrant is ongoing along a dirt road off route 3 near the Okkodo High School.

GPD acting spokesperson Sgt. Elizabeth Flickenger says the arrest of 18 year old Justin Naputi earlier this week tipped off authorities to the residence today. Naputi was arrested on charges of theft by receiving as a 2nd degree felony after police found him driving a reported stolen pickup truck. Court documents state the vehicle was re-painted, and the license plate and VIN numbers were swapped out. Naputi told authorities he purchased the truck for $100.

Police this morning found at least four stolen trucks on the Dededo property, and three engines that were taken out of more stolen vehicles. Authorities are combing the surrounding jungle area looking for the body of those vehicles at this time. Police also took several individuals into custody for questioning and no other arrests have been made yet.

As we reported, GPD got 40 car theft complaints just last month, most of which were Nissan pickup trucks. Flickenger says that's the same type of vehicles found at the residence this morning.