Police Raid Ranch, Arrest 26 Suspects In Auto Theft Ring
August 17, 1969
Los Angeles Times
Twenty-six persons living in an abandoned Western movie set on an isolated
Chatsworth ranch were arrested in a daybreak raid by sheriff's deputies Saturday
as suspects in a major auto theft ring.
Officers said they confiscated seven rifles, a 43-caliber automatic pistol
and a 9 mm machine gun.
The group-eleven men and fifteen women including several members of a
motorcycle gang called Satan's Slaves-was stealing Volkswagens, dismantling them
and converting them into dune buggies, according to deputies.
Seven juveniles, including four infants, were taken into custody and turned
over to juvenile authorities.
Parts Strewn About
More than 100 deputies swarmed over the 200-acre ranch shortly after 6:00 AM
while most of the suspects were still asleep.
Automobile parts were strewn over the area, they said.
The suspects and their children, said deputies, had been living like animals.
"The four infants, all under 2 years old, and four women were found sleeping on
the floor of a dirty, broken-down trailer, officers said.
The ranch is owned by George Spahn, a blind, 80-year-old semi-invalid. It is
located in the Simi Hills at 12,000 Santa Susanna Pass Road.
Deputies said Spahn, who lives alone in a house on the ranch, apparently knew
there were people living on the set but was unaware of their activities. They
said he "couldn't get around and he was afraid of them."
