RENTON, Wash. — Renton police say they have arrested a suspected “prolific” car thief who allegedly filmed himself cloning fobs to use in the theft.
Police say the 18-year-old’s arrest was part of a long-term investigation involving at least five law enforcement agencies.
In one case, the suspect allegedly posted a video of himself cloning the fob of a stolen SUV, according to Renton police. He also allegedly used a victim’s credit card and stole firearms.
On Nov. 14, Renton PD and Valley SWAT arrested the suspect at his home in Tacoma.
During a search of his home, officers say they found eight weapons-- including a handgun modified to fire like a fully automatic machine gun--along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, key-fob cloning devices, and other evidence, Renton police said.
He was booked into King County Jail for two counts of motor vehicle theft, two counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, identity theft and theft of a firearm.
Additional charges are pending in Pierce County.
According to Renton PD, the 18-year-old allegedly committed these crimes while on bail after posting a $50,000 bond in a separate Seattle case.
In the Seattle case, he was accused of attempted motor vehicle theft, unlawful possession of a machine gun, obstructing law enforcement, making or having vehicle theft tools and vehicle prowl.
The suspect remains in jail on $150,000 bail.
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