Stolen purple McLaren found during car theft investigation in Irvine; the suspect was arrested

IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) — Irvine police arrested a man accused of running a sophisticated stolen luxury vehicle operation.

Zihua Zhang, 37, was booked into the Orange County Jail on Thursday after being pulled over on a stolen Durango SRT with an altered VIN plate, according to police.

Investigators say Zhang is responsible for at least five vehicle thefts in Irvine, including the theft of a Durango and a $285,000 McLaren found at his Woodbridge home.

Police said Zhang was on their radar last month. He is accused of purchasing stolen luxury cars, changing the vehicle identification number (VIN) and then selling the vehicles.

During a search of Zhang’s home, police found three unregistered firearms, as well as fake VIN plates, license plates and checks.

Zhang is believed to be part of a larger organization committing such crimes.

The investigation of the incident continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.