Investigators bust 6 in suspected auto theft ring

LAKEWOOD – Six people were jailed six reportedly stolen vehicles seized over the past two days after undercover investigators busted what they believe is an auto theft ring operating in Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Jefferson County and other metro-area communities.

The arrests came after members of the Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force and the West Metro Drug Task Force arranged to buy a stolen vehicle from an as-yet unidentified woman. After undercover West Metro Task Force officers purchased the vehicle earlier this week, investigators located another five stolen vehicles, according to Lakewood Police Sgt. Dave Hoover.

Police also found and confiscated several weapons and small quantities of controlled substances.

Police are withholding the identities of the suspects until the investigation is complete and other arrests are possible, according to a statement issued Friday by the auto-theft task force.

The six people in custody were jailed on suspicion of aggravated motor vehicle theft, selling stolen property, weapons violations and drug offenses, according to the statement