Juan Montiel, 34, was arrested in a chop shop raid and is now facing charges for the December 30th murder of Kody Johnston. The Alameda County Sheriff's investigators connected Montiel to the homicide after discovering a sophisticated car theft ring and chop shop during a January 31st raid. Montiel's arrest came after he allegedly shot and killed Johnston during a carjacking.
Police loaded a graffitied stolen car onto a trailer during the raid of a suspected chop shop where 34-year-old Juan Montiel was arrested. OAKLAND — Juan Montiel told his probation officer he was working as a mechanic at an auto body shop on Pippen Street, and sometimes slept there because he lacked stable housing, court records show.
But police say Montiel, 34, was regularly spotted at a much less reputable business: the headquarters for a sophisticated car theft ring and chop shop where eight stolen vehicles — including a gas tanker truck — were discovered, along with body armor, weapons, and fake emergency lights that could be used to impersonate a police car. Now, Alameda County prosecutors claim Montiel is the man who shot and killed an Alameda resident on Dec. 30, a homicide that police say is directly connected to an earlier armed carjacking. The victim, Kody Johnston, 25, was reportedly upset that his friend’s car and purse were stolen weeks earlier, and Oakland quickly identified Montiel as a suspect, but Alameda County Sheriff’s investigators were working on their own separate case involving the suspected chop shop. The sheriff’s investigation culminated with a Jan. 31 raid on a warehouse on the 800 block of 100th Avenue, where authorities say they found all the tools of the trade of a car theft ring, along with evidence that vehicles were being stripped on site. Montiel was arrested during the raid, but he and three other suspects didn’t go down easy. Police say they barricaded themselves inside and only gave up after the sheriff’s squad used tear gas. Once Montiel was arrested, police swabbed his DNA. He wasn’t charged until four days later, and he remains jailed without bail, records show. Montiel has a prior conviction for negligently discharging a gun, and was wanted for allegedly violating his probation, court records show. A probation officer’s report says he failed to show up to meetings twice in September and October, and on Jan. 9 a judge issued a $20,000 warrant for his arrest. The leadup to Johnston’s homicide occurred on Dec. 22, when his friend was carjacked in another part of Oakland. Police say the suspect was a man who pointed a gun at her and took her purse and the keys to her Lexus, authorities said. Police say the victim sought Johnston’s help and he came through for her, helping her track down the Lexus and take it back. The two were inside the Lexus — parked on the 4300 block of Fleming Avenue in Oakland at around 9 p.m. Dec. 30 — when Montiel allegedly walked up and ordered Johnston out of the car. When Johnston refused, Montiel fired a handgun at least once from a short distance away, killing him. At Johnston’s funeral in January, loved ones remembered him as a loyal and caring person who was often willing to lend a hand. “Kody had a smile and a laugh that was infectious,” literature distributed at his memorial service says. “His hugs always made you realize just how much he loved you. It was hard not to be happy around him.
CAR JACKING HOMICIDE CHOP SHOP ARREST ALAMEDA COUNTY OAKLAND POLICE
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Report: Officials Suspect Arson as Cause of One L.A. Fire, Suspect DetainedSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
Teen suspect shot by officer in southeast Houston; another teen suspect injured, police sayPolice say one teen suspect was shot by officers and another was injured while fleeing a vacant apartment.
Read more »
Suspect Arrested After High-Speed Chase on Highway 101A suspect trying to escape police on Highway 101 was arrested after a San Rafael officer used his vehicle to stop the suspect's car against a concrete wall. The incident began when a license plate reader detected a vehicle linked to a felony crime. Police pursued the suspect but discontinued the chase due to safety concerns. The suspect was later spotted by the California Highway Patrol and continued to flee at high speeds, eventually colliding with another car. The suspect sustained minor injuries and was taken into custody.
Read more »
Denver Residents Seek Action Over 'Bluster' in Trump-Johnston Immigration FeudAs the incoming Trump administration clashes with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston over immigration, residents largely express a desire for action rather than heated rhetoric.
Read more »
ACTION 8 UPDATE: Johnston Taylor moved to Kilby Prison to serve child pornography sentenceMontgomery, Alabama
Read more »
Chargers WR Quentin Johnston Evolves into Reliable TargetQuentin Johnston's impressive performance against the Kansas City Chiefs marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his growth as a wide receiver for the Chargers. His focus, skill, and ability to make crucial catches earned praise from offensive coordinator Greg Roman and solidified his position as a valuable asset for the team.
Read more »