Suspect In Watsonville Wheelchair Ramp Theft Arrested

WATSONVILLE, CA — A 27-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly stealing a wheelchair ramp from a Watsonville family earlier this month.

Pedro Villanueva was picked up in Pajaro at 1 Porter Drive Thursday afternoon by sheriff's deputies along with help from Watsonville police and the California Highway Patrol. He was arrested after being spotted driving the stolen Toyota Tacoma that was used during the Oct. 10 wheelchair ramp heist, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office.

Villanueva admitted to stealing the ramp and pointed investigators to an Aptos residence where the ramp was being stored, according to the sheriff's office. At the home in the 300 block of Los Altos, police found the ramp and arrested 46-year-old Sandra Moore at the site on suspicion of receiving stolen property.

The Oct. 10 wheelchair ramp theft had been caught on video surveillance. It was taken from the family's front yard around 3 a.m. The family's young daughter used the ramp to get in and out of the house.

After learning of the crime, the Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff's Association stepped up by purchasing a new ramp and bringing it to the family in hopes of making their lives a bit easier.

The girl's mother was overcome with emotion when the deputies brought the ramp to the family and set it up in the front yard of their home. She said it made the family "so happy, especially my daughter ... especially for her because it's something that she needs."

Following Thursday's arrests, the stolen truck was returned to its rightful owner and the ramp was returned to the family.

Villanueva was book on suspicion of vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, grand theft and an outstanding warrant, according to the sheriff's office. Jail records show his bond was set at $25,000.

Moore was booked on a charge of receiving stolen property; her bond was set at $5,000, jail records showed.

The arrests were part of a Santa Cruz County Auto Theft Reductions and Enforcement task force (S.C.A.R.E.) made up of detectives from the sheriff’s office, Watsonville Police Department and the CHP; the task force also works with the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office.