The Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force apprehended a suspected auto thief that authorities say was responsible for stealing numerous vehicles and leading law enforcement on multiple pursuits.

Shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday, StanCATT, took Michael Robert Jobe, 41, of Modesto into custody in the Herndon Road area. Jobe was wanted in connection with several trailer, motorcycle and automobile thefts, that occurred throughout Stanislaus and Merced counties over the past several weeks, said California Highway Patrol spokesman Officer Eric Parsons.

Jobe is also believed to be the person responsible for leading three Stanislaus County law enforcement agencies on lengthy pursuits over the past several weeks. 

“These law enforcement agencies will be filing charges against Jobe associated with the pursuits,” Parsons said.

Investigators served a search warrant at Jobe’s Modesto residence and found a substantial amount of stolen property and four additional stolen vehicles, which were returned to their owners, Parsons said. 

Also arrested and charged with auto theft related crimes in connection with the investigation were Anthony Allen Bryant, 22; Karen Ruth Maupin, 49; and Johnny Nolan, 33.  All are Modesto residents.

Jobe was booked into the Stanislaus county Jail on charges of auto theft, possession of stolen property and resisting arrest charges. His bail was set at $1 million, Parsons said.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.