Attempted Traffic Stop Leads Yuba County Deputies To 5 Stolen Vehicles

LINDA (CBS13) - An attempted traffic stop led Yuba County deputies to recover five stolen vehicles Saturday.

At around 9:30 a.m., deputies attempted to stop a green Acura for a defective tail light in Linda. However, the vehicle tried to flee by turning into a parking lot and then drove into a vacant field. Deputies said the car stopped after hitting a large hole, causing significant damage to the car.

Investigators say both the driver and passenger fled on foot. Agustin Sanchez, 28, a passenger in the car, stopped after a short distance and was detained. The driver, 28-year-old Marcus Pace, was arrested at nearby Countrywood Apartments.

Deputies determined the vehicle was stolen in Olivehurst but had not yet been reported missing.

The investigation led officers to surveillance video that, officers say, showed Pace and Sanchez getting out of another stolen vehicle on McGowan parkway. The vehicle in that case was a Saturn, which had also not yet been reported stolen.

Deputies say they recovered three additional stolen vehicles in the Olivehurst and Linda areas that are allegedly linked to Pace and Sanchez.

In addition to charges in the theft of the five vehicles, Pace also faces charges for a car he allegedly stole on Friday night.

Deputies are hoping to identify additional suspects involved in the thefts.