Man arrested for vehicle theft in Chico shopping center

CHICO, Calif. — A man was arrested at a Chico shopping center for vehicle theft on Tuesday.

The Chico Police Department (CPD) says the California Highway Patrol made officers aware of a stolen vehicle parked near the Olive Garden on Business Lane.

After officers searched the area they found a vehicle with a matching description driving eastbound on 20th Street near the Target shopping center.

34-year-old Jesus Belmontes was arrested in the parking lot. Officers determined that Belmontes stole the vehicle in Ventura, California, and drove it to Chico.

Belmontes was arrested for vehicle theft, being a prohibited person in possession of tear gas, and possessing burglary tools.