Alleged Chop Shop Operation Busted In Lakeland Village

An 18-year-old man is behind bars on suspicion of operating a chop shop in Lakeland Village.

Justin Tipton of Lakeland Village was arrested at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at a residence in the 19200 block of Samuel Drive.

Sheriff’s corporal Mike Fraker reported that deputies were assigned Wednesday morning to an investigation regarding a bicycle theft, and were told the bike was being dismantled at the Samuel Drive home.

When deputies arrived on scene, they found the stolen bicycle as well as a stolen Honda Civic being dismantled in the garage, according to Fraker.

“While searching the property, deputies located two additional stolen vehicles, one stolen utility trailer, and a stolen motorcycle engine,” Fraker reported.

According to jail records, Tipton is being held on suspicion of operating a chop shop, receiving stolen property, taking a vehicle without an owner’s consent, and driving without a license. He’s being held in lieu of $25,000 bail and due to appear in court Friday morning.