A tow truck driver from South Los Angeles was arrested on federal charges for allegedly stealing government property after towing a law enforcement vehicle during an immigration arrest. Bobby Nunez, 33, faces a charge of theft of government property and is scheduled to appear in United States District Court in Los Angeles.
According to the affidavit filed with the complaint, the incident occurred on August 15 when federal officers were arresting Tatiana Mafla-Martinez, a 23-year-old Colombian national living in downtown Los Angeles without legal status. Officers used two government vehicles with emergency lights activated to block Martinez’s car at the exit of a luxury apartment complex parking structure.
During the attempted arrest, Nunez approached Martinez’s vehicle and pressed its passenger door against an officer. The officer threatened Nunez with arrest after informing him that they were conducting a federal investigation. Nunez reportedly swore at the officers and said, “Something was going to happen” to them.
Another individual also tried to interfere with the arrests. While officers dealt with this second person, Nunez used his Dodge tow truck to remove one of the government vehicles blocking Martinez’s car. At that time, the government vehicle contained keys and a firearm secured inside.
Two days later, authorities found Nunez’s tow truck parked in a designated space at the same apartment complex.
“A criminal complaint contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”
If convicted, Nunez could receive up to 10 years in federal prison.
Homeland Security Investigations is handling the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Neil P. Thakor from the General Crimes Section is prosecuting the case.
