Running a license plate through the state vehicle data base resulted in snagging an auto theft suspect in Gary Arnold, 36, of Ceres, on Sunday.

At 9:15 p.m. police officer Trinidad Viramontes ran the license plate on the VW bug and learned that it was a stolen vehicle. Arnold was seen turning into Colony Park Estates Mobilehome Park at 3939 Central Avenue where he was arrested.

Arnold told Officer Viramontes that he paid $1,500 to a friend for the vehicle but could not produce documents. Arnold was booked on charges of auto theft, driving without a license and violating the terms of his probation.