BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A 29-year-old Bakersfield man was arrested Monday following a major operation by the California Highway Patrol’s Kern County Auto Theft Taskforce (KernCATT).
Authorities recovered multiple alleged stolen vehicles, firearms, ammunition, and narcotics during the investigation.
On Nov. 10, 2025, KernCATT personnel followed up on a stolen vehicle report in the 700 block of Requa Court, south of Breckenridge Road, and contacted Ricardo Leyva-Rueles outside his home. Investigators determined Leyva-Rueles was allegedly involved in the theft. A search warrant was executed at his property.
Recovered vehicles included:
4 2020 Raptor ATVs
1 truck with a tampered or false VIN plate
1 2018 Can-Am side-by-side UTV
Seized firearms and ammunition included:
7 unserialized 9mm semi-automatic pistols
3 unserialized AR-15–style rifles
14 high-capacity pistol magazines
11 30-round rifle magazines
1 unregistered 9mm semi-automatic pistol
100-round 5.56mm drum magazine
Thousands of rounds of ammo
Investigators also seized approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine.
Leyva-Rueles was booked into Kern County Jail on multiple felony charges, including vehicle theft, possession of stolen vehicles, felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal possession of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and several counts of child endangerment. His bail is set at $2.2 million pending arraignment.
“This case highlights the impact of interagency cooperation and the commitment of our investigators to keep dangerous weapons and drugs out of our communities,” said CHP Central Division Chief Damon Gilmore.
