At a Glance
- Stolen 1979 Cadillac recovered after traffic stop on PCH.
- Homeless driver pulled over on January 13 for speeding.
- Car returned to Jerry O’Connell after investigation.
A 1979 Cadillac owned by actor Jerry O’Connell was recovered after a traffic stop on Pacific Coast Highway. The vehicle had been stolen from his Calabasas home and was found in a driver’s hands after a speeding stop on January 13. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told News Of Philadelphia that the car was returned to its rightful owner following a brief investigation.
The Theft
The 1979 Cadillac was stolen from O’Connell’s Calabasas home in the west San Fernando Valley. It had been a prized possession for the actor, known for roles in Stand by Me and Jerry McGuire. The theft was discovered when deputies reviewed the vehicle’s registration and found it matched the O’Connell family name.
Deputies also learned that the car had been stolen and was being driven by someone claiming a family member. The driver could not provide additional details, leaving officers uncertain about the vehicle’s whereabouts. The investigation proceeded to confirm the vehicle’s ownership and its location.
The Traffic Stop
On January 13, deputies pulled the vehicle over on Pacific Coast Highway for speeding. The driver, a homeless man, failed to provide a driver’s license, registration, or insurance. The deputies documented the driver’s inability to comply with basic traffic law requirements.
The vehicle’s lack of registration prompted further scrutiny by the deputies. Deputies cross-checked the license plate and found it matched the O’Connell family name. The stop led to the discovery that the vehicle was indeed stolen.
The Investigation
Deputies reviewed the vehicle’s registration records and confirmed ownership belonged to the O’Connell family. They also examined the car’s title and found no recent ownership transfer. The investigation clarified that the vehicle had been missing since the theft from O’Connell’s home.
The deputies also interviewed the driver, who claimed the car belonged to a family member. However, the driver could not provide additional documentation or evidence to support the claim. The lack of proof led deputies to focus on returning the vehicle to its rightful owner.
The Return
After confirming ownership, deputies arranged for the Cadillac to be returned to O’Connell’s family. The vehicle was handed over to a family representative at the location of the original theft. The return was completed without incident, according to the department’s statement.
The family was out of town and unaware of the theft, according to the department. O’Connell’s spouse, Rebecca Romijn, was also absent during the incident. The family expressed relief that the vehicle was safe and returned to them.
Family Reaction
O’Connell, married to Rebecca Romijn, expressed relief that the vehicle was safe. He thanked the deputies for their swift action and for restoring the car to its rightful owner. The actor also noted that the incident had caused him significant stress.
The family, still out of town, had not been notified of the incident. They received information only after the department confirmed the car had been recovered. The family plans to review security measures for future protection of their property.
Actor’s Public Presence
The incident occurred the same day O’Connell attended the 97th Oscars at Dolby Theatre. The Oscars event was held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, drawing national attention. The actor’s appearance at the ceremony was unrelated to the theft incident.
The theft and recovery news was reported by local media before the Oscars ceremony concluded. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department released a statement detailing the recovery and return of the vehicle. No additional incidents were reported following the return of the Cadillac.
Reactions from Sheriff’s Dept
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told News Of Philadelphia that the investigation was swift and thorough. They emphasized that the vehicle was recovered without incident and returned to its rightful owner. The department also noted that the driver was a homeless individual lacking proper documentation.
Deputies highlighted the importance of vehicle registration checks during traffic stops. They urged drivers to maintain valid licenses, registration, and insurance to avoid similar incidents. The department will continue monitoring the case to ensure the vehicle remains secure.
Public Comments
NBCLA reached out to O’Connell’s representatives for comment, but no response has been received yet.
Next Steps
The department will continue monitoring the case and ensuring the vehicle remains in safe hands.
Key Takeaways
A stolen 1979 Cadillac was recovered after a traffic stop; the driver was homeless and unlicensed. The vehicle was returned to its rightful owner, the O’Connell family, following a thorough investigation. The incident underscores the importance of vehicle registration checks during traffic stops.
