Update: Los Angeles man arrested in stolen military vehicle incident
Update posted Aug. 2, 2024:
Sheriff’s office releases details on suspicious vehicle in Los Osos
– The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is releasing additional details regarding a suspicious vehicle incident that occurred on July 31 in Los Osos.
The sheriff’s office had received a report of a suspicious vehicle in Los Osos. The vehicle was described as a military-style tractor-trailer. When deputies arrived, the driver of the vehicle fled to Montana de Oro State Park, breaking through a gate, and ending up in the area known as Sandspit Beach.
The suspect was eventually arrested and taken to San Luis Obispo County Jail. He’s been identified as 63-year-old Patrick Kevin VanNess of Los Angeles.
Sheriff’s detectives have confirmed that the vehicle involved in yesterday’s pursuit in Los Osos is a M1070 Heavy Equipment Transport vehicle designed for the US military.
The vehicle was manufactured earlier this year. It was stolen in transit before it was delivered to the military in Southern California. The M1070 Transport vehicle is specifically used to transport the M1 Abrams tank.
VanNess will be charged with theft of the vehicle, which is valued at over $500,000.
Earlier in the day the vehicle was removed from the beach at Montana de Oro after it became stuck in the sand several times due to its weight and size.
The investigation is continuing. No further information is available at this time.
Original story posted Aug. 1, 2024:
Suspect evades deputies, breaks gate at state park
– The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office reported a felony evasion and destruction of public property incident on July 31. The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. on Los Osos Valley Road in Los Osos.
The sheriff’s office received a report of a suspicious vehicle, described as the front portion or “cab” of a military-style tractor-trailer, in a parking lot off Los Osos Valley Road. When deputies arrived, the driver fled to Montana de Oro State Park, breaking through a gate and ending up in the area known as Sandspit Beach.
Deputies, along with Harbor Patrol, Coast Guard, and State Park Rangers, set up a perimeter around the truck. Attempts to contact the suspect were unsuccessful as he refused commands to leave the vehicle.
The sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED) arrived on the scene, and after the suspect refused to leave the truck again, the SED team introduced tear gas into the vehicle. At approximately 7:45 p.m., the suspect exited the vehicle and was taken into custody.
The identity of the suspect is not yet known, and the investigation is ongoing. No further information is available at this time.
