LA Port police arrest suspect connected to truck chassis theft ring

Los Angeles Port Police arrested a suspect connected to a profitable theft ring that targeted truck chassis from container terminals, stealing and reselling them as new. 

The suspect was identified as 25-year-old Denis Fuentes, a Gardena resident, the Los Angeles Police Department said. He was booked for suspicion of receiving stolen property. Additional arrests are expected. 

Port police said Fuentes would allegedly enter container terminals and remove chassis set aside for commercial truckers to move cargo. Investigators say the chassis would be altered and then sold as new, which is estimated to have generated millions of dollars. 

Fuentes was arrested after a months-long investigation of multiple stolen chassis throughout the Port of Los Angeles. In partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department Commercial Crimes Unit, 24 suspected stolen chassis were found in a Gardena facility.

"Our investigation into these activities continues to evolve, but we hope this arrest sends a message to other criminals targeting the Port complex," Los Angeles Port Police Lieutenant Rosario Ferrara said. 

Anyone with further information is asked to contact Los Angeles Port Police Detectives at (310) 732-3500.