13 Charged in Multi-State Car Theft Ring Linked to Philadelphia Officer Killing

Thirteen individuals have been indicted in connection with a violent multistate car theft ring based in Camden, New Jersey, which is linked to the October 2023 killing of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez. Led by brothers Alex and Alexi Vargas, the group targeted high-value vehicles across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware, stealing at least 41 vehicles by breaking into cars and using key reprogrammers. The stolen cars were then altered with fake registrations and sold via social media and text messaging. Members of the ring were armed and involved in violent confrontations, including the shooting that killed Officer Mendez and wounded his partner, Officer Raul Ortiz. Three members of the group, including Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez who allegedly fired the fatal shots, face murder charges and are scheduled for trial. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin emphasized the sophistication and danger of the group, highlighting the coordinated law enforcement efforts that led to their arrests.