By Jim Emerson
SAN LEANDRO — Police working with the Alameda County Regional Auto Theft Task Force
recently arrested a suspect implicated in a stolen car ring.
They uncovered a criminal “chop shop” enterprise that disassembles cars to sell the parts.
Mario Tamez, 46, of Oakland, was arrested December 11 on the 700 block of Alice Avenue in
San Leandro. Investigators recovered seven stolen cars and a stolen trailer from a residence
there.
San Leandro officers initially investigated a report that one stolen vehicle was at the
residence. Ultimately, a large sophisticated vehicle theft and disassembly operation was
discovered.
First, a perimeter was established around the property to guard against the possibly of
anyone fleeing. Detectives from the SLPD crime suppression and property crimes unit
participated, along with other agencies.
A search warrant was obtained before police swarmed the residence. “They uncovered a den
of vehicle theft, a so-called chop shop, where stolen cars are disassembled,” San Leandro
police said in a prepared statement.
That morning at the time of his arrest, Tamez allegedly had in his possession a controlled
substance and drug paraphernalia. He was booked into Alameda County Santa Rita Jail in
lieu of $115,000 bond, before being released from custody.
Felony charges were filed against Tamez for operation of a “chop shop” involving great
monetary value, and planning and sophistication of crime.
San Leandro police credit the task force law enforcement action for making a “significant
dent” in organized vehicle thefts.
The special task force targets auto theft rings operating
anywhere in Alameda County. Besides local police agencies, participants include the
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol.
