MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A Mercedes SUV reported stolen in California managed to travel across the United States without detection, until authorities say it took a wrong turn that ended its journey in Martin County.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office announced on social media Thursday afternoon that its Road Patrol deputies spotted the stolen vehicle traveling along Martin Downs Boulevard earlier this week. Investigators said the SUV was reported stolen out of California in January and had recently arrived in South Florida after an undetected cross-country drive.
Thursday, March 26, 2026 — Martin County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 30-year-old Kelvin Paulino of New Hampshire and 32-year-old Abraham Celestino Valencia Cruz of Massachusetts in Martin County after stopping a Mercedes SUV stolen out of California, which drew attention when the pair attempted to insure the vehicle along Martin Downs Boulevard, prompting investigators to intervene because the cross-country-traveled vehicle was flagged as stolen and the insurance purchase was deemed suspicious. (MCSO)
Deputies identified the driver as 30-year-old Kelvin Paulino of New Hampshire. His passenger was 32-year-old Abraham Celestino Valencia Cruz of Massachusetts. The pair told deputies they flew into Miami earlier that morning to purchase the vehicle from an unknown individual, then drove to Martin County to obtain insurance.
See also: Florida man accused of taking brand-new Porsche he was hired to deliver on a joyride
Authorities said the insurance company flagged the situation as suspicious and contacted law enforcement. Deputies who were already tracking the stolen vehicle waited outside the business. After the two men reportedly refused to leave, deputies and detectives went inside and took both into custody without incident.
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Paulino was charged with grand theft, while Valencia Cruz was charged with trespassing in a conveyance. Both were booked into the Martin County Jail.