PUEBLO, Colo. – Four individuals, including two adults and two juveniles, have been arrested after allegedly stealing up to 12 vehicles in just 48 hours, according to Pueblo police. The group reportedly caused thousands of dollars in damage by breaking car windows during the spree.
Gabriel Cervantez, 24, posted bond on June 11 but was arrested again two days later for allegedly continuing to steal vehicles. “That number of motor vehicle thefts, especially by potentially a singular group, is incredibly large,” said Bianca Hicks, spokesperson for the Pueblo Police Department.
Police apprehended the suspects after they crashed a stolen vehicle while attempting to evade capture. Hicks emphasized the impact on victims: “For many, their vehicle is tied to their livelihood, and these thefts affect their daily lives.”
Both adults in custody have prior criminal records. Cervantez was charged with possession of a controlled substance two weeks ago and bonded out on June 11, shortly before the car theft spree began. Meanwhile, Jynessa Wisthoff pleaded guilty to motor vehicle theft in April 2024 and was sentenced to 18 months of probation. She now faces a new car theft charge.
“When offenders repeatedly commit crimes after prior arrests, it remains a serious concern for our department,” Hicks said.
Despite the recent spree, the Pueblo Police Department reported that vehicle thefts in early June were down 7%, with 40 fewer cases than at the same time last year.
