Everybody knows that car theft is a significant problem worldwide. However, this doesn’t typically include vehicles used in truck driving, such as semi-trucks and dump trucks. However, one recent trucking news headline finds three men behind bars after allegedly stealing $6 million worth of commercial vehicles. Here’s what happened. 

Car theft doesn’t usually target truck driving professionals, but it seems no vehicles are off limits

According to WFLA, three men have been arrested for alleged car theft on several commercial trucks. Notably, this includes more than $6 million worth of semi-trucks as well as dump trucks from multiple Florida counties. The three men are Rayge Sanchez, 40, Christian Garcia Diaz, 26, and Jose Nuñez, 29. Their arrest comes after a months-long investigation by HCSO’s Auto Theft Unit.

Regarding the car theft, it started in September of 2024. Mostly, the thieves targeted Tampa Bay, including Hillsborough, Polk, Hernando, Pasco, Sarasota, and Pinellas counties. The widespread nature of this crime means many truck driving professionals didn’t have enough of the proper equipment to deliver goods. Now, the three men are facing multiple counts of grand theft over $100,000. They also have RICO charges. 

Regarding the car theft, a local sheriff said, “These weren’t just stolen trucks; these were critical tools for businesses, livelihoods for families, and key components of infrastructure projects across our region. Thanks to the relentless work of our Auto Theft Unit and our partners at the Statewide Prosecutor’s Office, we’ve stopped a major criminal enterprise that was taking from those who help drive our economy forward.” This is a developing story.