Authorities shut down illegal Oakland chop shop

Oct. 02--OAKLAND -- Two men were arrested, five vehicles were recovered and an illegal chop shop was shuttered in a raid involving multiple law enforcement agencies Tuesday.

At about 8 a.m., the Alameda County Regional Auto Theft Task Force carried out a probation search at an undisclosed location in Oakland. They found five stolen cars that had their vehicle identification numbers switched, stolen tools and other evidence along with two men who were on probation.

Authorities arrested Santos Avalos, Jr., 25, Oakland, on suspicion of violation of probation, four felony counts of possession of a stolen vehicle, one felony count of owning or operating a chop shop and four felony counts of switching a vehicle ID number.

Juan Avalos, 20, Oakland, was arrested on suspicion of violation of probation, one felony count of auto theft, one felony count of possession of a stolen vehicle and one felony count of switching a vehicle ID number.

Both men were booked into the North County Jail.

The Alameda County Regional Auto Theft Task Force is made up of members from the California Highway Patrol, Alameda Sheriff's Department, Oakland Police Department, Alameda County Probation Department and National Insurance Crime Bureau. Also assisting with the call were California Highway Patrol officers from the Golden Gate division and members of the Foreign Export Auto Recovery team .

Anyone with information about auto theft related activity or information about a wanted fugitive, can text or call 510-516-2886.

Follow Kristin J. Bender at Twitter.com/kjbender.

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