Solano County Auto Theft Task Force Arrests Three Suspects in Connection with Alleged Chop Shop Operation in Vallejo
VALLEJO, CA — “The Solano County Auto Theft Task Force, with assistance from the Solano County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau and the Special Enforcement Team (SET), served three search warrants on May 28, 2026, in Vallejo as part of an ongoing investigation into a vehicle identification number (VIN) switching operation and stolen vehicle ‘chop shop’ operation.
During the operation, three Vallejo residents were arrested:
Javeth Pedroza, 44, of Vallejo, was arrested at a residence in the 200 block of Echo Summit Road. Officers recovered a GMC pickup truck with an altered VIN. Additional evidence of VIN switching activity was located inside the residence, along with three unregistered assault rifles.
Luis Espinoza-Ramos, 40, of Vallejo, was arrested at a residence in the 100 block of Azalea Court in connection with the VIN switching operation and previously being in possession of a VIN switched vehicle.
Jacob Whalen, 28, of Vallejo, was arrested at a residence in the 200 block of Westwood Street for possession of a stolen Dodge Charger, and a stolen Harley Davidson motorcycle. The Dodge was completely dismantled, and remaining parts were located in various locations on the property.
All three individuals were booked into the Solano County Jail on various felony charges, including possession of stolen vehicles, VIN tampering, and illegal possession of firearms.
The Solano County Auto Theft Task Force remains committed to disrupting organized vehicle theft and VIN switching rings that prey on our communities. These operations demonstrate our strong partnerships with local law enforcement and our dedication to removing dangerous stolen vehicles and illegal firearms from the streets.
The investigation remains ongoing. Additional arrests and recoveries are possible.
The Solano County Auto Theft Task Force is a multi-agency unit focused on combating vehicle theft, chop shops, and related criminal activity throughout Solano County.”
