California Highway Patrol Busts Chevy Chop Shop with Stolen Camaros and Corvettes

Police Raid Uncovers Half-a-Million Dollar Chop Shop

The Valley Division of the California Highway Patrol recently made a significant bust after raiding an alleged chop shop in the San Joaquin Valley. The operation resulted in the discovery of 12 stolen vehicles, including 10 Chevrolet Camaros and two Corvettes.

High-End Sports Cars Targeted

The San Joaquin County Auto Theft Task Force, comprised of various allied agencies, estimated that the stolen vehicles amounted to $600,000 in losses for the victims. The chop shop was specifically targeting late-model sports cars, with some vehicles being dismantled on-site.

Investigation Leads to Chop Shop Discovery

Following an investigation into thefts involving high-end American-made sports cars, law enforcement officials uncovered the suspected chop shop in Banta, a small town in the region. The stolen vehicles, along with a significant amount of stolen parts and an engine, were recovered during the raid.

Arrests Made in Connection with Chop Shop

Five individuals were arrested in connection with the chop shop operation. James Phelan and Harley Davidson were apprehended during the initial raid, while Hamdy Naim Jamali was arrested later for selling parts. Lloyd Thomas Bernhard and Stephanie Celeste Tejada Otera were also arrested on charges related to auto theft.

Legal Proceedings

All five suspects were arraigned on charges related to auto theft on March 15. The police shared photos of the recovered vehicles, emphasizing that they were late-model sports cars and not classics.

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