LASD Air & Ground Units Recover Stolen Toyota MTX, Uncover Chop Shop, Arrest One
- August 23, 2012
- recovery stories
On July 26, 2012, the owner of a 2005 Toyota MTX contacted Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department – Pico to report that his vehicle had been stolen. LASD Pico deputies verified the theft and entered the Toyota’s information into the state and federal crime computers, which automatically activated the LoJack transponder concealed in the vehicle.
Less than an hour later, LASD Air-7 flight deputies picked up the silent LoJack signal on the LoJack Police Tracking Computer (PTC) installed in their aircraft. Following the directional and audible signals on the PTC, the officers tracked the signal to the 12300 block of Kayreid in the Whittier area. Air-7 requested ground units respond to the location; deputies from Norwalk Station arrived and tracked the Toyota to a residential garage in the area.
Detectives responded and discovered numerous car parts on the property, suggesting a Chop Shop.
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Taskforce for vehicle theft prevention, TRAP, responded and assumed the investigation. TRAP detectives identified a newer Corvette that had been stripped, and recovered the entire body and interior. They also recovered sheet metal from five stolen SUV-type vehicles and trucks. The owner of the location, an ex-con, was arrested and charged with the violation of operating a Chop Shop, as well as possession of a firearm. Investigation continues by TRAP detectives.