John Travolta's Car Recovered, Two Arrested

Santa Monica - Police announced today the arrests of two men for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated auto-theft ring responsible for the theft last fall of actor John Travolta's vintage Mercedes-Benz, which was recovered.

Michael Green, 58, was arrested on Dec. 6 and D.L. Rayford Jr., 52, was taken into custody on Dec. 19, said Santa Monica police Sgt. Richard Lewis.

Last Sept. 18, Travolta's 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was stolen after he parked it on the street in a residential area and went to a nearby Jaguar dealership.

"Detectives obtained video footage of the vehicle and the suspects as the vehicle was being stolen," Lewis said. "In addition, detectives received several valuable tips from the public after the initial information was released to the public through the media."

An investigation was conducted by Santa Monica police and a task force that includes personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol.

"Through the collaborative efforts of investigators ... two individuals were identified as suspects relating to the theft of Mr. Travolta's Mercedes, and were arrested by investigators from the task force," Lewis said.

The men allegedly were involved in a sophisticated auto-theft ring that targeted older-model Mercedes and muscle cars. Detectives shut down the ring, and recovered Travolta's Mercedes and seven other stolen vehicles.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Santa Monica police Detective Steve Smetzer, (310) 458-8936; or Detective George Molina of the Task Force for Regional Auto Theft Prevention, (818) 830-6977. Tipsters may also call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.