Merced, CA – In a bust that reads like something out of a Fast & Furious movie, Merced PD has dismantled a multi-location chop shop operation specializing in high-powered American muscle cars.
The trouble began when a stolen 2018 Chevy Camaro pinged its location to its rightful owner. One of Merced PD’s finest, Officer Crain, tracked the signal to a south Merced residence, where not only the Camaro, but a graveyard of disassembled luxury vehicles awaited.
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A search warrant later confirmed a full-fledged chop shop operation. Three stolen vehicles – a pair of Camaros (2018 & 2019) and a 2021 Dodge Charger SRT – were found stripped bare. A nearby Chrysler 300 sported a suspicious transplant – a stolen engine, transmission, and interior all ripped from the Charger!
A 15-year-old juvenile was apprehended at the scene facing charges related to chop shop activity.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. Officer Crain’s investigation revealed a cunning scheme. The ring targeted high-performance Dodge Chargers and Challengers, specifically those boasting the coveted 392 SRT or Hellcat engines. These stolen parts were then Frankenstein-ed into unsuspecting Chrysler 300s, transforming them into budget-friendly “muscle cars” complete with fake SRT badges.
The unsuspecting buyers? Folks scouring Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms for a steal. These cobbled-together vehicles were then flipped for nearly $30,000 – a hefty profit for stolen parts!
Officer Crain wasn’t done yet. Three additional locations were linked to the ring, resulting in the arrest of 18-year-old Daniel Carreno and the recovery of a treasure trove of stolen goods: vehicle parts, license plate manufacturing equipment, and keys to even more high-end muscle cars.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking additional suspects and stolen vehicles. If you have any info, contact Officer Crain directly at (209) 388-7754 or crainl@cityofmerced.org.
Looks like these virtual speed demons met their real-world match!
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