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Manteca Police interrupt thieves trying to steal Honda on Parkwood
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Officers arrested a 20-year-old Modesto man shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday for vehicle theft, attempted vehicle theft, conspiracy to commit a felony possession of stolen property, obstructing a police officer and for possession of burglary tools.

Manteca Police officer Dale Goforth spotted a green Honda that had stopped in the middle of the roadway in the 400 block of Parkwood Avenue.  The officer said Gerardo Padilla was out of the vehicle and standing by the driver’s side of a Honda parked nearby attempting to gain entry into the vehicle.

The suspect reportedly looked up and saw Officer Goforth and walked back to the green Honda getting into the front passenger seat.  The patrolman said the man drove toward Maywood Avenue where the patrolman initiated a traffic stop.

As the officer exited his patrol unit, the vehicle reportedly sped away and a short pursuit followed with the car turning down Allenwood Court where the driver and a passenger jumped out and began to run.  The driverless car struck the north side of a house and came to a stop, police said. 

Police said the two suspects ran in an eastbound direction jumping fences and entering several back yards.

Additional Manteca patrol units responded to the scene and officers set up a perimeter which led to the arrest of the driver.  Officers added that the Honda was found to be an unreported stolen vehicle from Modesto.

A second stolen Honda was located a short distance from where the officer first observed Padilla attempting to gain entry into the other Honda.

Police are continuing to follow up leads on the passenger who fled and are attempting to identify the man.  South County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the second subject.  Callers may call 823-4636 and remain anonymous to collect their reward.