A Mesa auto shop turned into a crime scene as authorities unearthed a bizarre collection of stolen vehicles, drugs, firearms, and human skulls. The dramatic discovery was made on Feb. 8 at Meadows Auto, situated near 1st Avenue and Country Club Drive in Mesa, according to a FOX 10 Phoenix report.
Acting on a search warrant, detectives from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) seized seven stolen vehicles and made two arrests during the operation. Among the found items were a 2008 Ford pickup truck, a 2016 Arctic Cat, a forklift, and four trailers, as detailed by AZDPS. Searching the auto shop, detectives also found two pounds of methamphetamine, two rifles, and one sawed-off shotgun.
The skulls, discovered during the investigation, were immediately turned over to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine their origins. The purpose behind having such macabre objects at the business is still unclear and undergoing thorough scrutiny.
Eddie Meadows, 45, the owner of the auto repair business, along with Tara Montgomery, 40, faced the wrath of the law as they were both arrested and carted off to jail. Meadows is facing several allegations, including theft of means of transportation. Montgomery, arrested in connection with the event, faces drug-related charges according to the AZDPS statement.
Funded by the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, the VTTF is a collaboration that utilizes the combined efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies across the state. Their mission: is to effectively tackle and prosecute crimes related to vehicle theft. This incident at Meadows Auto stands as a testament to the task force's vigilant efforts in curbing such illicit activities.
