Arizona Department of Public Safety have arrested two men in connection with a chop shop operation in Phoenix.
The arrests were made after DPS’ Vehicle Theft Task Force detectives executed a search warrant at a business property in the 3200 block of west Lincoln Street in Phoenix, which is near 35th Avenue and Buckeye Road.
While serving the warrant, detectives located and recovered five stolen vehicles and a utility trailer. Two of the vehicles, a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck and a 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe, were recovered partially intact. Three stolen vehicles, including a 2012 Dodge Charger, a 2000 Chevrolet pickup truck, and a 2012 Chevrolet pickup truck, were found intact.
Martin Valencia, .(Photo Credit: DPS)
Detectives arrested Martin Valencia, 48, of Phoenix. He was booked into the Maricopa County Jail. Valencia was found to be in possession of personal use amounts of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine at the time of his arrest. He faces charges including:
-Trafficking stolen property
-Theft of means of transportation (7 counts)
-Conducting a chop shop
-Possession/use of a dangerous drug
-Possession/use of a narcotic drug
Valencia was also arrested for an outstanding felony warrant.
Marco Guzman, 31, of Phoenix, also faces charges including:
-Conducting a chop shop
-Trafficking stolen property
VTTF was assisted by the Aviation Bureau and the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM).
