A chop shop operation in Santa Rosa has been busted, leading to two arrests, the California Highway Patrol - Golden Gate Division reports.
In a meticulously planned sting on March 22, undercover detectives from the Sonoma County Auto Theft Task Force (SonCATT) paired with the Sonoma Sheriff's Office (SCSO) raided a supposed auto repair shop that doubled as a haven for stolen vehicles. The search uncovered a trove of cars in differing stages of dismemberment. Detectives confirmed seven of the vehicles were hot, all with tampered identifiers, or on the verge of being concealed beyond recognition. According to CHP's statement, Pablo Gonzalez Rojas, 21, and Leonardo Sanchez Roman, 33, both locals from Santa Rosa, were caught red-handed and are now facing the music behind bars.
Rojas and Roman have been slapped with numerous charges, including vehicle theft and possession of stolen property, the Golden Gate Division detailed. Both suspects have been booked at the Sonoma County jail, waiting for their day in court to respond to accusations of operating the illicit chop shop.
The investigation has not hit the brakes yet, as detectives continue to chase down further leads. The community's knowledge could prove crucial in piecing this puzzle together, thus any tips are warmly welcomed. Those who think they've got the 411 on this or related car theft capers should speed dial the CHP Investigation Tipline at (707) 917-4491, no questions asked. SonCATT, an alliance of the CHP, SCSO, and the District Attorney's Office, digs deep into the trench of auto theft crimes so residents of Sonoma County can sleep a bit easier at night.
With their unwavering commitment to "Safety, Service, and Security," the California Highway Patrol remains vigilant, ready to cut the next illegal operation off at the knees.
