Vehicle reported stolen becomes drug bust

Maricopa Police pulled over Crystal Montijo, 33, who was driving a vehicle that was reported stolen. Police approached the vehicle just south of State Route 347 and Ferrell Road and made contact with “two female subjects” inside the vehicle.

Montijo was identified as the driver, placed under arrest and brought to Maricopa Police Station. During an interview with MPD, Montijo allegedly stated the stolen vehicle was actually borrowed from her friend’s boyfriend and claimed her friend gave her the keys to it the previous week. Montijo also stated her friend wanted the car back on a certain date, but she was unable to return it because she “got stranded.”

Although Montijo reportedly said she was planning on returning the vehicle when she returned to Arizona City, she had no contact information for her friend for police to confirm her story.

Back at the scene of the traffic stop, officers allegedly located two bags inside the vehicle containing methamphetamine, a broken pipe, cotton balls, and capped needles.

The officer interviewing Montijo at the station asked her who the bags belonged to, and she stated they were hers. The officer included in the police report that upon asking what was inside the bags, Montijo said, “You know what’s inside the bags.”

Not answering any more questions, Montijo was transported to the county jail on recommended charges of theft of means of transportation, possessions of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia.