OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Omaha Police Department says multiple suspects have been arrested in connection to an auto theft ring in and around the metro area.
An investigation began after a "noticeable increase in vehicles stolen from area dealerships" at the beginning of May.
A detective working for the OPD's Auto Theft Unit began to look into the cases and soon discovered information that indicated the cases were part of a larger theft ring, police say.
After reaching out to other area agencies and finding crimes that were carried out in a similar manner, police say Kevin Baquette was identified as part of a "well-organized ring that has been operating since at least the fall of 2019 together."
The agencies say they were able to determine the group was targeting dealerships during holiday weekends, including last Memorial Day weekend, and were planning another heist during the Fourth of July weekend.
Working on evidence gathered, and with three additional detectives to handle the growing amount of it, OPD's primary detective reached out to the LaVista Police Department to serve a search warrant at Bequette's residence.
Bequette was arrested at the time the warrant was carried out and evidence and property related to multiple cases was discovered at his home, police say.
At this time, the Omaha Police Department says nine out of 10 suspects involved in the ring have been arrested and additional information obtained during an interview with Bequette will be used for a federal indictment.
