ATF Identifies 2 Suspects Arrested for Stealing Agent's Car

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) released the names of two men arrested for stealing an agent’s unmarked car in October near Black’s Beach in La Jolla. 

Rosendo Mendoza, 25, and Alan Nilles, 24, were arrested on Oct. 29, three days after an ATF vehicle filled with several government-issued firearms was stolen along Black Gold Road on Oct. 26, an ATF spokesperson said. 

Agents located the vehicle later that night but the firearms along with some personal items were not recovered. It was not clear if they have been found since.

The suspects face multiple charges, including felony possession of a firearm and grand theft auto. Both were being held at the George F. Bailey Detention Facility.

They are scheduled to be arraigned later this month.

ATF has a storage policy for firearms but did not say whether or not the agent followed the policy.

They are investigating the incident.

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