R.A.I.D. Task Force Shuts Down Chop Shop

WILDOMAR- After identifying the location of a stolen vehicle, deputies uncovered an active chop shop and arrested a suspect.

Thomas O'Brien Moore is accused of automobile theft and running a "Chop Shop"

On Friday, May 3 at approximately 5:30 PM, a Riverside Sheriff’s Deputy on patrol responded to the report of a stolen vehicle located at a residence in the 33200 block of Hidden Hollow Drive in the City of Wildomar.  According to a Riverside Sheriff’s press release, the Deputy discovered both a Honda quad and a Mercedes Benz sedan which had both been reported stolen in Wildomar. There was also a license plate that matched a stolen Mercedes Benz sedan in the city of Lake Elsinore. Thomas O’Brien Moore, a 39 year old resident of Wildomar was arrested at the scene.

Deputies conducted a follow-up investigation of the crime scene on Saturday May 4 around noon. During their search for further evidence deputies were led to a residence in the 22400 block of Lost Road in Wildomar. At the second residence, more evidence of vehicle theft was discovered, including a Honda motorcycle which has been reported as stolen in Wildomar. Sergeant David Cardoza also reported that deputies identified parts to a Toyota Tundra truck reported stolen in Lake Elsinore, as well as a Ford Ranger truck that appeared to have been “body-swapped” with another Ford Ranger.

Chop shop? This ordinary home was the scene of stolen vehicles and a dismantling operation

Feeling that they had uncovered a chop shop, investigators contacted the Special Investigation Bureau and engaged The Riverside Auto Theft Interdiction Detail (R.A.I.D.), which works to prevent vehicles from being stolen and to identify individuals involved in auto theft.  Engine parts from a Ford Ranger truck reported as stolen in Menifee were also discovered at the scene with the assistance of the special investigators. Moore is facing charges of operation of a chop shop, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and committing a felony offence while out on bail.

Read More:

Lake Elsinore-Wildomar Patch: Alleged Chop Shop Operator Arrested In Wildomar

Press Enterprise: Deputies uncover chop shop

SWRNN: Deputies arrest man in connection with stolen vehicles, chop shop