Solano Sheriff's Office Arrests 2 in Chop-Shop Investigation

Two men have been arrested in connection with an alleged chop shop operation in an unincorporated area of Solano County located within Vallejo, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office said.

Alejandro Caro, 46, of Vallejo was arrested Wednesday and Ernesto Diaz, 60, was arrested Thursday, Solano County sheriff’s Deputy Christine Castillo said.

They are suspected of being involved in selling parts for stolen vehicles that were being dismantled in the 400 block of Banning Way off Benicia Road, Castillo said.

The sheriff’s office said the men were arrested for possession of stolen property and operating a chop shop.

The sheriff’s office served a search warrant on the property after receiving an anonymous tip on Oct. 9, Castillo said.

Investigators found 20 cars in various stages of being dismantled, including a 1966 Corvette Stingray and a Bobcat trailer, Castillo said.

Two more stolen vehicles were found at a second address, and eight stolen vehicles were recovered, Castillo said.

The vehicles were stolen within the last few months, and the Corvette was stolen a year ago, Castillo said.

--City News Service, photo via Shutterstock