Thief Tries Selling Truck He Stole During Test Drive: Deputies

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — A 68-year-old Mountain View resident was arrested Thursday on vehicle theft-related charges after he allegedly was attempting to sell a pick-up truck that he stole from its original owner in June in San Mateo County, according to authorities.

Jose Barrenechea met around noon on June 2 in La Honda with an individual who was selling a white, 2003 Toyota Tacoma, valued at approximately $3,000, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office said. After the meet-up was set, the suspect reportedly took the truck for a "test drive," but never returned.

On Thursday, however, deputies spotted the truck at about 12:45 p.m. on the 8000 block of La Honda Road as Barrenechea allegedly was trying to re-sell the stolen vehicle to an unsuspecting person, who was requesting the pink slip, deputies said.

Barrenechea was arrested for suspicion of vehicle theft and possession of a stolen vehicle and booked into the San Mateo County Main Jail, the agency said. The Tacoma was returned to its owner.

Anyone with additional information on the incident can call the Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line at 1-800-547-2700.

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