Chandler Police Break Up Auto Theft Chop Shop
For Immediate Release
June 23, 2008

CHANDLER, AZ. On 06-21-08 at approximately 9:00 P.M., the Chandler Police Auto Theft unit conducted surveillance in a ½ mile area near Dobson and Frye Roads where 13 Honda passenger cars have been stolen or recovered over the past 3 months.  While conducting the surveillance, at approximately 9:15 P.M., detectives observed subjects near 95th place and Frye Road, loading the stripped shell of a Honda Civic onto a trailer.  A truck, pulling the trailer, was loaded with other vehicle parts. 

After the suspects loaded the vehicle, detectives followed the truck to the area of Chandler Blvd and Dobson Road where a patrol vehicle was called to assist in stopping the truck.  After the stop, Detectives learned the Honda Civic was reported stolen out of the city of Chandler in May.  In addition, detectives located methamphetamines in the truck packaged for sale.  Daniel Best, a 41-year old Mesa resident, and Renee Brown, a 50-year old Mesa resident, were arrested for possession of dangerous drugs for sale, auto theft and trafficking in stolen parts.   

Subsequent investigation led the Auto Theft Unit to 264 S 95th Place, where detectives served a search warrant and arrested Ricardo Manuel Dominguez, a 40-year old Chandler resident.  At this location, detectives recovered another stolen vehicle as well as parts to at least 4 other stolen vehicles and tools consistent with the operation of a chop shop.  Ricardo Manuel Dominguez was booked into the Maricopa County Jail for operating an auto theft chop shop.  The case is still under investigation as detectives continue to connect the other stolen Honda vehicles to the auto theft ring.

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