To call Gustavo Villegas a car enthusiast would be an understatement. He rolled out some big bucks for his ride, a Honda Civic. We're talking things like $400 floor mats. "It comes with a price because I know some people want this stuff as bad as I do."
And they will go to any lengths to get it. Just more than a week ago his smokin ride really became hot when it was stolen from the parking lot of a Bakersfield gym while Villegas was inside. But after he reported it to the police, he started his own investigation and became a cyber sluth.
His detective work started when a friend told him he may have seen a unique car part on Craigslist, a part that was the same as one on Villegas' stolen Civic. So he got the number of the seller, 'googled' that, and Craigslist and bam, other rare parts on his car being sold by the same person, or people, from LA to Sacramento. "I was just thinking go in there like O.J., guns a blazing, get my stuff back."
But no, he took the high road to recover his ride, and it paid off. He gave the BPD the clues he'd uncovered, police went undercover and were able to crack the case, busting up a suspected chop shop in Lamont.
Police say two other stolen cars were recovered, some which were stolen at Bakersfield College. Unfortunately, Villegas' prized wheels had been hacked to bits, but he is insured. And now he feels justice is being served. "I went on a hunch and low and behold it turned out the way it did."
And police say it's a good idea to check craigslist if you've been ripped off. Because you are most familiar with your property.
