Northwest Side Man Charged For Honda Thefts
CHICAGO (STMW) - A man was charged Saturday with multiple thefts from Honda vehicles on the Northwest Side during the past three months.
Jefferson Park District police noticed several Honda vehicles were stolen and their catalytic converters were often removed, according to a police News Affairs release. Analysis of the location of the thefts and recoveries of the vehicles led officers to concentrate their efforts in a particular area.
During their investigation, police were alerted to a recently stolen Honda vehicle, which had not yet had its catalytic converter removed and began surveillance at the location, according to the release.
Police saw Lazaro Montanez, 22, approach and enter the stolen vehicle using a "jiggler key" -- an altered ignition key that is capable of opening and starting several models of vehicles -- and drive away.
Officers followed Montanez to the garage at the rear of his home in the 3900 block of North Olcott Avenue, where he was placed into custody while attempting to back the car into the garage, according to the release. Numerous car parts and a stripped Honda were found inside the garage.
Police recovered eight Honda vehicles that were reported stolen during the investigation, according to the release.
Montanez was charged with four counts of possession of stolen motor vehicle and one count of possession of burglary tools. He is scheduled to appear in bond court later Sunday.
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