TRATT makes auto theft arrest

One man is behind bars after detectives with the Tulare County Regional Auto Theft Task Force discovered a chop shop in Visalia.

TRATT officers were doing a follow-up investigation involving a 1995 Honda Accord that had been stolen. Their investigation led officers to the 500 block of North Encina in Visalia, where they located Seth Hurlbut.

Officers say the 34-year-old suspect stole the car and switched license plates and the car’s vehicle identification number.

TRATT Detective Jared Whaley reported that officers booked Hurlbut Monday afternoon on suspicion of auto theft, possession of a stolen vehicle and operating a chop shop.

In the first six months of this year, 945 vehicles were stolen in Tulare County. That’s nearly 150 fewer than 2013. TRATT detectives also have arrested more suspects this year, compared to 2013.

TRATT is made up of detectives from Visalia, the California Highway Patrol, Exeter, and the District Attorney’s Office.