A Turlock father and son were arrested on Tuesday on allegations they were operating a chop shop after an extensive investigation into local auto thefts.

A search warrant was served on Tuesday at a residence in the 100 block of Soderstrom Lane. This search was the result of several months of investigation led by Turlock Police Officer Jeremiah Lupe, a “dedicated patrol officer with a strong focus on auto thefts,” according to the police department. The search warrant was served by the Turlock Police Department, along with the Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force (STANCATT) and the department’s Special Investigations Unit and detectives, 

During the search, investigators located several stolen vehicle parts, including high-value engines, transmissions, and a 1970s Camaro with a stolen engine installed. A total of six stolen engine components and various other parts associated with auto theft were recovered.

Armando Aguilar, 24 of Turlock, was detained at the scene, and further investigation identified his father, Fernando Aguilar, 50 of Turlock, as an active participant in the operation. Armando was arrested for operating a chop shop, six counts of possession of stolen property, and possession of burglary tools. Fernando was later arrested for operating a chop shop and six counts of possession of stolen property. Both were booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Facility.

“This operation reflects Officer Lupe’s commitment and hard work in tackling auto theft, along with the coordinated efforts of STANCATT and Turlock PD’s SIU and detectives,” the police department stated. “The significant amount of stolen property recovered highlights the seriousness of this ongoing issue.”

In December, the Turlock Police Department, along with the sheriff’s offices from Stanislaus and Merced counties, busted a Lander Avenue business that had been running a chop shop. That raid turned up large quantities of stripped copper wire, a wire stripping machine, and over 60 cut-off catalytic converters.