(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Two men, including the brother of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, were arrested over the weekend in connection with the alleged taking of an SUV belonging to Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies were dispatched to the One Hotel in West Hollywood after the vehicle was tracked to the location. Investigators said the SUV had been located through tracking technology, leading authorities directly to the upscale hotel, according to NBC News.
According to law enforcement, the suspects had arrived at the hotel, valeted the vehicle, and entered the property. Once on scene, deputies began reviewing security footage from the hotel and surrounding areas. Through that review, investigators were able to identify the individuals believed to be connected to the vehicle.
Sheriff’s officials said deputies located the suspects shortly after and took both men into custody. They were arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. Authorities have not released details about whether force was involved or how access to the SUV was allegedly obtained.
Investigators said it remains unclear where or when the vehicle was taken. Law enforcement has not disclosed whether the SUV was removed from a private residence, public area, or another location prior to being tracked to West Hollywood.
The suspects were identified as 27-year-old Trey Rose and 27-year-old Samson Nacua. Samson Nacua is the brother of Rams standout wide receiver Puka Nacua, who has quickly become one of the team’s most recognizable young stars. There is no indication that Puka Nacua was involved in the incident, and authorities have not suggested any connection beyond the family relationship.
Both Rose and Nacua face a charge of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. As of the latest update, both men remain in custody. Jail records indicate they are being held while the case proceeds, though bail information has not been publicly detailed.
Law enforcement officials have not said whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department noted that the case remains active and that detectives are still working to piece together the timeline surrounding the alleged theft.
It is also unclear whether either suspect has retained legal representation. Authorities said no attorneys have come forward who can speak on behalf of Rose or Nacua at this time. Attempts to reach representatives for the suspects were not immediately successful.
The incident has drawn attention due to the high-profile names involved. Adou Thiero, the reported owner of the SUV, is a forward for the Los Angeles Lakers and a rising presence in the NBA. Meanwhile, Puka Nacua’s rapid ascent in the NFL has placed added public scrutiny on matters involving his family, despite no suggestion of his involvement.
Neither the Lakers nor the Rams has issued statements regarding the arrests. Officials have also not confirmed whether Thiero has personally addressed the situation or whether the vehicle has been returned.
Authorities emphasized that an arrest is not a determination of guilt. The case will be reviewed by prosecutors, who will decide how to proceed. For now, investigators continue to examine evidence, including surveillance footage and tracking data, to clarify how the SUV ended up at the hotel and what occurred beforehand.
