Two arrested for breaking into Freightliner semi trucks to steal costly CPCs, California sheriff says

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) recently arrested two people for allegedly breaking into parked semi trucks and stealing their Common Powertrain Controllers (CPC), leaving the trucks inoperable.

On April 30, 2026, VCSO announced the arrest of Los Angeles residents Lenin Leyva, 46, and Ryann McMurtrey, 39, on charges of burglary, grand theft, and vandalism.

Starting in April 2026, VCSO has been investigating reports of a group of individuals targeting Freightliner trucks in the El Rio, California, area during nighttime hours.

Police said the suspects would break a window to gain entry and then steal the truck’s CPC before fleeing the scene.

“These computers are essential for vehicle operation and cost approximately $3,300 to replace them, leaving victims unable to use their trucks until a replacement is installed and programmed,” VCSO said.

After similar crimes were reported by the Oxnard Police Department and the Simi Valley Police Department, investigators say they were able identify Leyva and McMurtrey as suspects.

On April 29, VCSO located McMurtrey’s 2019 Jaguar in the city of Santa Paula. A traffic stop was conducted with assistance from the Fillmore Police Department .

“Detectives responded to the scene and conducted a search of the vehicle, which resulted in the recovery of stolen CPC computers. The vehicle was subsequently seized as evidence,” VCSO said.

Leyva and McMurtrey are being held in the Ventura County Main Jail in lieu of bail.