Two Men Arrested in Ventura County for Stealing CPCs from Parked Freightliner Trucks
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two Los Angeles residents in connection with a series of burglaries targeting Freightliner semi trucks. The suspects allegedly broke into parked trucks to steal Common Powertrain Controllers (CPCs), critical electronic components that left the vehicles inoperable.
On April 30, 2026, authorities announced the arrests of Lenin Leyva, 46, and Ryann McMurtrey, 39. Both men face charges of burglary, grand theft, and vandalism. They were booked into the Ventura County Main Jail and are being held in lieu of bail.
The Common Powertrain Controller, often referred to as the CPC in Freightliner trucks, serves as the central computer for the vehicle’s powertrain system. It manages engine functions, transmission controls, diagnostics, and emissions systems. Without it, a Freightliner semi truck cannot start or operate safely, stranding drivers and halting freight movement until repairs are completed.
For professional drivers, the theft of a CPC represents a significant disruption. These units are expensive to replace, often costing thousands of dollars each, and require specialized programming to match the truck’s specific configuration. Downtime for repairs can sideline a truck for days, leading to lost revenue and delayed deliveries.
The incidents occurred in Ventura County, where the suspects targeted parked Freightliner trucks. Sheriff’s deputies investigated a string of burglaries focused on these high-value components. The arrests followed leads that connected Leyva and McMurtrey to multiple break-ins.
Leyva and McMurtrey, both from Los Angeles, were taken into custody after evidence linked them to the crimes. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the pair’s involvement in stealing CPCs, which rendered the affected trucks undrivable.
Truck drivers parking in Ventura County or similar areas should note the vulnerability of Freightliner models to this type of theft. CPCs are located in accessible areas under the hood or in the cab, making them relatively easy targets for thieves equipped with basic tools.
Broader patterns in trucking theft show a rise in component-specific crimes. Electronics like CPCs have become prime targets due to their resale value on black markets and the specialized demand for truck parts. While this case is isolated to Ventura County, it underscores risks for owner-operators and fleet drivers alike who leave rigs unattended overnight or at rest stops.
Replacement of a stolen CPC involves more than just installing a new unit. Technicians must reprogram it using the truck’s VIN and download fault codes from the vehicle’s network. This process requires dealer-level diagnostic tools, often available only at Freightliner service centers, adding to the cost and time for drivers.
In this instance, the burglaries affected multiple Freightliner semis, though exact numbers and total damages were not detailed in the announcement. The charges of vandalism reflect the physical damage caused during the break-ins, such as smashed windows or pried-open panels.
Professional drivers can take steps to mitigate such risks, though no preventive measures were specified by authorities in this case. Common practices include securing trucks in well-lit, surveilled lots and using additional locks on engine compartments.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office investigation continues, with Leyva and McMurtrey held pending further proceedings. Drivers impacted by these thefts may contact local law enforcement for updates on recovered property.
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of cargo and component theft in the trucking industry, particularly in California regions near major ports and highways. For Freightliner operators, protecting the CPC is essential to maintaining operational readiness on the road.