With Help From Anonymous Tip, Detroit Police Bust Chop Shop
DETROIT (WWJ) -- Police found eight stolen vehicles and impounded 34 others linked to a suspected chop shop operation on Detroit's west side this week.
Officials said that five people were arrested after police received an anonymous tip on Tuesday about activities in the backyard of a home on the 15000 block of Cruse St., near Fenkell Ave. and Schaefer Hwy. Officers arrested three people after they saw the suspects removing an engine and transmission from a stripped GMC Yukon on the property and loading them into the bed of a truck driven by a fourth suspect.
As the investigation continued the following day, officers observed a male suspect in a red Chevrolet Silverado pulling away from a business on Greenfield which contained gray doors in the bed of the truck, possibly belonging to the stolen Yukon. A stolen Mercedes-Benz Sl-550 was also found on the property.
Officers received additional information of a possible suspect engaged in the buying and housing of stolen vehicles and parts, at two additional locations, one on Greenfield and another located on Freeland St.
"Due to the community support, along with the quick response and thorough investigation by our officers, a chop shop has been identified and dissolved. This is yet another example of how the community and law enforcement can work together to combat crime," Detroit Police Chief James E. Craig stated in a press release.
Six more stolen vehicles were recovered. In addition, four ordinance violations were issued and one stolen firearm was recovered and confiscated.