LATHROP – Lathrop Police deputies were on their way to investigate a reported car theft Wednesday afternoon when they observed the described stolen vehicle traveling westbound on Roth Road which then entered the southbound Interstate 5 freeway.

The deputies eventually managed to stop the car and the occupants were arrested. Arrested and booked in San Joaquin County Jail were 18-year-old Jose Herrarte, a Hispanic male, and Ana Espinal, a 19-year-old Hispanic female.

Herrarte is facing charges of auto theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, and possession burglary tools. Espinal is also charged with auto theft, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy.

The vehicle was reported stolen from an address in the 14500 block of Pine Valley Drive in the Woodfield Estates located north of Lathrop Road.

— Rose Albano Risso