Sheriff Busts Big Gig Harbor Chop Shop

GIG HARBOR, WA - Pierce County detectives busted a major chop shop in Gig Harbor last week, an operation that had disturbed its Chapman Drive neighbors with nightly sounds of welding and hammering, and stolen car hulks ditched at nearby intersections.

The Pierce County Sheriff's SWAT team and detectives raided the compound along Chapman Drive last week. The raid came after Gig Harbor police arrested a person related to the operation. After raiding the property, police found stolen cars and car parts from thefts ranging from Fox Island to University Place and as far north as Renton.

In June, sheriff's deputies told auto theft detectives about a high rate of auto theft activity in the area near the property - including chopped vehicles recovered near the home and complaints from residents about "saws, grinders, welders, and hammering throughout the night."

Detectives observed the property in July, and saw a white pickup constantly going in and out of the home towing various vehicles. On Aug. 1, Gig Harbor police pulled over the driver of that truck and arrested him for traffic violations. Inside the truck, police found pieces of cars stolen from Federal Way and Tacoma.

Police developed enough evidence to get a warrant, and carried out a raid at the home, which is near Sehmel Homestead Park, last week. They arrested the 40-year-old homeowner on charges of possession of stolen property; unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver; unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance; and possession of a stolen vehicle.

In addition to the cars and parts, police found methamphetamine and a large marijuana growing operation.

Here's a list of some of the vehicles and parts recovered at the property, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office"

• Red 1966 Cadillac stolen from Parkland in July 2017
• Gray 2006 Acura TSX stolen from Federal Way in 2017
• Black 1990 utility trailer stolen from Waller in May 2017
• Engine from a 1995 Honda Accord stolen from Tacoma in December 2016
• Black 2017 tilt bed trailer stolen from Tacoma in August 2017
• Green 2012 Terex generator stolen from Puyallup in 2017
• Orange 2001 U-Haul tow dolly stolen in 2017
• Black 2008 Ducati motorcycle stolen from Tacoma in December 2016
• Trunk lid, hood, doors from black 2010 Chevy Camaro stolen from Renton inn 2016; chopped vehicle had been recovered in Gig Harbor in May 2017
• Black 1998 utility trailer stolen from Fox Island in August 2017
• Black 2018 utility trailer stolen from Thurston County in 2017
• Gray 2016 Trek bicycle stolen from University Place in January 2017
• Silver 2003 Kawasaki motorcycle stolen from Tacoma in 2014

Image via Pierce County Sheriff