Arizona DPS shuts down chop shop, recovers stolen cars in Tolleson
Aug 21, 2019, 6:00 PM | Updated: Aug 22, 2019, 9:48 am
PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Public Safety last week shut down a West Valley chop shop and recovered several stolen cars from it, the department announced Wednesday.
DPS’ Vehicle Theft Task Force recovered six cars, a motorcycle, a construction truck and two box trailers from the shop after receiving a tip, according to a press release.
James M. Zavala, 46, was arrested on Aug. 14 on 10 counts of theft of means of transportation and one count of owning and operating a chop shop, according to the release.
News Release: AZDPS Border Strike Force Recovers Stolen Vehicles and Dismantles Chop Shop in Tolleson. Read more at: https://t.co/OsjMoFiVK8 #dpsnews pic.twitter.com/7cBTHnnHmh
— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) August 21, 2019
An engine and miscellaneous vehicle parts were also recovered from the site.
“We see stolen vehicles being used to commit other serious crimes,” Capt. Paul Etnire, commander of the vehicle theft task force, said in the release. “The success of this search warrant resulted from a tip, and so we encourage people to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or to the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center.”
To submit a tip, call 877-272-8329 or visit the online web portal.