Police: Laptop used to reprogram, steal more than 100 cars
Houston police say they’ve arrested two men accused of using pirated computer software to steal more than 100 vehicles that likely ended up in Mexico.
Authorities say 24-year-old Michael Arce and 22-year-old Jesse Zelaya focused on new Jeep and Dodge vehicles, which attract big money on the black market in Mexico. The men allegedly used a laptop computer to reprogram the targeted vehicles’ electronic security so their key worked.
Arce’s lawyer didn’t return a message seeking comment Friday. Court records show Zelaya doesn’t yet have an attorney. Both men have court appearances Wednesday.
Both were arrested last weekend driving a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee. Police say their months-long investigation was aided by home-surveillance video showing someone with a laptop walking up to a parked Jeep and driving away minutes later.
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