Milpitas Police Catch Auto Thief Driving Stolen Vehicle

Last Tuesday, Milpitas police located a stolen vehicle driven by two suspects in the Landess Avenue area. 

At 11:32 p.m., a Milpitas police officer on patrol in the area of Landess Avenue near Clear Lake Avenue, spotted a stolen 2012 BMW X3 vehicle, according to Milpitas Police Lieutenant Sandy Holliday. It had previously been reported to the San Jose Police Department.

Police officers then conducted a high-risk car stop and took the two vehicle occupants into custody without incident.

A loaded .45 caliber handgun was found concealed under the driver seat, and the driver was found to be in possession of what is believed to be a controlled substance. Both occupants possessed fictitious identification.

The driver was identified as Tri Nguyen, 44, a Bay Area transient. The passenger was identified as Bryan Le, 40, a San Jose resident. 

Tri Nguyen was arrested on various charges, including auto theft, possession of a controlled substance, under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a loaded and concealed firearm, possession of fictitious identification, and providing false identifying information to a peace officer. 

Bryan Le was cited and released for possession of fictitious identification.

Police encourage anyone with information regarding this investigation or other similar incidents occurring in the city to call the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400.

Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crime Tip Hotline at (408) 586-2500 or via the Milpitas Police Department website.