3 BUSTED AFTER MIDDLE-OF-THE-NIGHT CAR BURGLARY IN PORT HUENEME

The Port Hueneme Police Department successfully intercepted a late-night burglary crew this week, proving that quick-thinking neighbors are often the best defense against property crime.

On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at approximately 2:33 a.m., officers responded to a call regarding a vehicle burglary in progress on the 300 block of East Bay Boulevard.

The reporting party provided a detailed account of the scene, describing one male breaking into the vehicle while a second male acted as a lookout. A third suspect, a female driver, was reportedly standing by in a black sedan ready for a quick escape. Thanks to this precise information, Port Hueneme officers arrived on the scene within minutes and intercepted the suspects’ vehicle as it attempted to flee the area.

According to a public announcement from the department:

"The investigation revealed that the male suspects forced entry into the victim’s vehicle, while the female suspect waited in the getaway vehicle. It appears the suspects were interrupted before they could take property from the victim’s vehicle."

The three suspects arrested at the scene were identified as Jose Antonio Munoz, 35, of Oxnard; Esteban Quinones Cervantes, 33, of Oxnard; and Ana Bertha Soto, 31, of Santa Paula. All three were booked into the Ventura County Main Jail on a litany of charges including burglary, possession of burglary tools, conspiracy, and various drug-related offenses.

This arrest is a textbook example of why "see something, say something" matters. In many auto burglary cases, victims don't realize they have been hit until hours later when the suspects are long gone. By calling 911 the moment the crime was spotted, this resident allowed police to catch the crew before they could even finish the job.

However, there is a recurring frustration in Ventura County regarding the "revolving door" of the jail system for property crimes. While we praise the officers for their speed, many are left wondering how long these suspects will actually remain in custody.

With three individuals from different cities teaming up for a 2 a.m. hit, it is clear these are not crimes of opportunity, but calculated efforts.

The Port Hueneme Police Department is still seeking additional information on this case.

If you saw something or have surveillance footage from the East Bay Boulevard area, you are encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Mike Hamrick at 805-986-6541.