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# Police helicopter helps nab would-be car thieves
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/police-helicopter-helps-nab-would-be-car-thieves/
- Published: 2004-09-07T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T05:01:11.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Crime, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

Four men were arrested early Saturday after police caught them allegedly stealing a car on Lincoln Boulevard.

Using the aid of a helicopter, Santa Monica police on the ground drew their guns on the suspects at Lincoln Boulevard and Grant Street after they attempted to flee the scene at about 12:47 a.m. Police were called to the area of Lincoln Boulevard and Pacific Street for an auto theft in progress. There, the suspects apparently broke the window to a parked SUV, stole stereo equipment, and attempted to steal the vehicle, police said.

While ground units were responding to the area, additional Santa Monica officers who were on patrol in the helicopter, arrived within seconds over the location and saw the suspects fleeing, police said. The helicopter followed the vehicle and directed responding police units to its location. The helicopter remained overhead until the suspects were taken into custody, police said. Four suspects were arrested and the stereo equipment was recovered.

Antonio Orozco, 28, of Los Angeles, was booked for auto burglary, attempted car theft, and violation of felony probation. He has no bail. Felix Rangel, 31, of Los Angeles, was booked for auto burglary, attempted car theft and violation of felony probation. He has no bail. John Daniel Rangel, 22, of Los Angeles, was booked for auto burglary and attempted car theft. His bail is set at $20,000\. The other suspect is a juvenile.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 7, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/090704.pdf?ref=smdp.com)