DETROIT (WWJ) - The owner of an illegal chop shop on Detroit's West side wound up in handcuffs after police conducting an inspection found stolen vehicles and stripped car parts on the property.
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The inspection by the Detroit Police Auto Theft Section was initially carried out on Feb.21 to confirm the business on the 8000 block of W. Chicago was closed.
The shop was not supposed to be in operation under guidelines from the City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED).
While conducting the inspection, officers found a 2014 GMC Sierra on the property that came back as stolen when officers ran the vehicle's information. A warrant was issued for the building and police found vehicles that had been stripped and parts littering the floor and racks inside.
The parts were impounded by officers and were valued at over $100,000.
Officers released a list of stolen parts that were located within the shop to include:
• 2012 Chrysler Challenger, engine and door
• 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, engine and transmission
• 2013 Chrysler 300, engine, transmission and trunk lid
• 2017 Lincoln MKZ, doors and trunk lid
• 2007 Honda Civic, engine and front firewall
• 2017 Lincoln MKZ, 3 doors and trunk lid
• 2007 Honda Civic, front half
Authorities said in a press release that the business' doors were re-sealed and the owner, a Dearborn man in his 30s, was arrested.
Officers did not release the name of the owner and no other information was made available at this time.
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