Chop-Shop Uncovered; 4 Arrested, 11 Stolen Vehicles Found: Sheriff's Office

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – Four men were arrested during an investigation into an alleged auto "chop shop" in unincorporated Fairfield last week, according to the Solano County Sheriff's Office.

On Dec. 20, sheriff's deputies and California Highway Patrol officers from the Contra Costa and Solano areas conducted a probation check at a property in the 3400 block of Ramsey Road.

"Deputies spent the following days going through over 100 cars on the 40-acre property. In total, 11 stolen vehicles were identified, which included seven Ford F-series trucks, an enclosed car trailer, a vintage Mini Cooper, a motorcycle, and a side-by-side (off-highway vehicle)," sheriff's officials said.

"Two of the trucks were reported within two days of the compliance check; both were still drivable and returned to the registered owners. The other five trucks had been dismantled and were partially recovered in parts and pieces. Deputies also found a .22 caliber rifle while searching the property."

Four men were arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants and were booked into the Solano County Jail.

One of them, 45-year-old Enrique Tapia, was also arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, being a felon in possession of a firearm and violating the terms of his probation,
according to the sheriff's office.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Solano County Sheriff's Office at (707) 784-7050. Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers at (707) 644-7867.

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--Bay City News contributed to this report/Images via Solano Sheriff