Alleged chop shop raided in Salinas area, two arrested

Two people were arrested Wednesday for allegedly operating a chop shop in Salinas, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities issued a search warrant on a property located on the 19000 block of Wild Horse Court. There officers found more than 30 vehicles and numerous parts, engines and trailers, the CHP said. At least seven of the vehicles were confirmed stolen.

CHP officers located the chop shop after a man followed the suspects who stole his pickup truck at about 4:30 a.m. The victim pulled over near Wild Horse Court, the CHP said. He then called 911.

The renters of the property, Jesus Perez and Betssi Sandoval, were arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail. They face several charges, including conspiracy to commit auto theft and operating a chop shop.

The Multi Agency Detail for Commercial Auto Theft and the Santa Cruz Auto-theft Reduction and Enforcement are taking over the investigation.