SAN BERNARDINO – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies uncovered a vehicle chop shop earlier this month, arresting eight suspects after discovering men stripping a stolen car on Thursday, September 18.
Five of the suspects are expected to appear in court this week on various charges, including possession of stolen property, conspiracy and maintaining a chop shop, according to a release from the county sheriff’s department. Deputies from the Central Station showed up at 201 East 11th St. to drop off a bicycle that belonged to Terry Ryan, 53, who had been arrested for possessing a concealed weapon.
Upon arrival at 9:37 a.m., deputies came across Ruben Toledo, 25, and Alberto Hernandez, 24, who were in the process of stripping a stolen Honda Civic that had been stolen earlier that day, said deputies. They were stripping the car on the street in front of their residence, according to reports.
Deputies detained the two men, along with other people that all lived at that residence. Two Hondas and a Nissan pickup truck were also recovered at the residence, described by deputies as already having been stripped of their parts. Numerous vehicle parts were located throughout the property, scattered on the grounds. Vehicle parts are worth plenty of money on the market, especially to legitimate used parts stores, said investigators.
Deputies also arrested Ryan, Tanaeja Minnifield, 20, Charles King, 47, Martha Quesada, 33, Zacarias Ruiz, 27, and Myra Hernandez, 20, each a San Bernardino resident. Further investigation revealed the some of the suspects were active gang members on current parole and on probation for felonies.
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Victor Valley News: 8 arrested for operating chop shop
