A chop shop was uncovered at a home in Fort Worth, according to police.
Tarrant County investigators found nearly $50,000 worth of stolen cars and parts throughout a property on Lebow Street, where police believe illegal operation started in November.
“I've been in auto theft for 10 years now and it's one of the bigger ones,” said Detective Jesse Minton.
Police were called to the home after a repo man tracked down a stolen car to the property. Once they arrived, Minton said they found a total of nine cars on the property, many already broken into pieces.
“When we served the search warrant and went in the house, we noticed two of the bedrooms were stacked almost to the ceiling with tools and things from burglaries and vehicle burglaries,” said Minton. “I just didn't think we'd be there until 4 in the morning taking cars out on wreckers.”
Police arrested Samson Flores, 31, for theft and stolen property.
However, they believe more people are likely tied to the case.
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According to Minton, chop shops concealed in residential areas are not uncommon in North Texas.
“They'll sell the seats, the engines, the transmission, the doors. Every piece of the car is worth more in parts than it is as a whole,” explained Minton.
Many of what investigators recover is taken to an impound lot in Tarrant County, where it will sit until it can be processed through the courts or claimed by its owner. But in chop shop cases, there is often little left of the property stolen.
“It’s sad,” said Minton. “Every part of the car gets chewed up, so they can make money off it.”
If you believe police have recovered your property, you can contact the auto task force at 817-560-6560.
