HOUSTON – In a coordinated raid early Thursday morning, Houston Police uncovered a large-scale illegal chop shop operation in an industrial warehouse near McCarty Street and Market Street in East Houston.
According to HPD’s Auto Theft Division, the operation was responsible for dismantling and re-tagging dozens of stolen vehicles each month. Police recovered over 25 stripped vehicles, multiple VIN-altering tools, and a cache of forged titles during the bust.
“This was a well-organized operation,” said Sgt. Denise Alvarez. “The suspects knew how to cover their tracks, but we caught them mid-process.”
Three suspects were arrested at the scene, including a 42-year-old man believed to be the ringleader. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and more arrests could follow.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.