Two Arrested For Running Mi Wuk “Chop-Shop”

Mi Wuk, Ca — California Highway Patrol officers busted an illegal “chop shop” in Mi Wuk over the weekend.

According to CHP spokesperson Tom Wills, a citizen tip led officers to 24591 Highway 108 late Friday night. The reporting party had seen a Jeep Wrangler on vehicle jacks, and was suspicious of what was going on.

The reporting party was able to write down the license plate number, and the CHP found that the vehicle had been stolen the previous day in Sugar Pine.

Officers made entry into the private residence and located the stolen Jeep which was in the process of being dismantled by 47-year-old Preston Magruder Sr. and 44-year-old Jay Sims. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident.

“Because of a citizen´s report, it looks like we have busted up a possible chop-shop that has been operating in our community,” says Wills. “Hopefully this will put a dent in the amount of vehicles stolen.”

Due to the scope and complexity of the situation, CHP Auto Theft investigators were requested to respond as well. A search warrant was executed at the property on Saturday. The case remains under investigation.

Written by BJ Hansen