LA/ONTARIO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT POLICE ARREST TWO FOR GRAND THEFT AUTO

(Ontario, Ca – March 13, 2007) Two suspects are in police custody following their arrest on February 17 for grand theft auto by Los Angeles World Airports Police officers assigned to LA/Ontario International Airport, after they were observed in a vehicle traveling approximately 60 mph in a 40 mph zone.

While on patrol in their police vehicle, Officers Michael Desouza and Ben Spolarich observed a Chevrolet Impala traveling approximately 20 mph over the designated speed limit. The officers initiated a vehicle stop, ran the license plate, and attempted to walk up to the vehicle to make contact with the driver, when the vehicle sped away.

After approximately a 10 minute police pursuit and covering over 10 miles throughout the streets of Ontario and Upland, the pursuit of the vehicle was terminated at the intersection of San Antonio Ave and 9th Street. The fleeing driver lost control, swerved around a vehicle in the intersection and flipped his vehicle onto its roof, landing in the southbound lanes of traffic.

The driver was taken into custody at the scene of the collision without incident and the passenger, who fled the scene, was found after a ground search hiding in a field with thick bushes. He was covered with dirt and leaves. Ontario and Upland Police Departments assisted in the search. The suspects were identified by police as David Voa Aiono, described as a male, 6 feet 6 inches tall, 310 pounds, 39 years old and a resident of the City of Industry; and Steven Anthony Navarette, male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 190 pounds, 29 years old and a resident of Baldwin Park. The owner of the recovered stolen vehicle stated he did not know either of the suspects.

The suspects were transported and booked at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in Rancho Cucamunga for grand theft auto and evading a peace officer.

(left to right) LA/Ontario International Airport Officers Ben Spolarich and Michael Desouza.