Active chop shop discovered in Woodland, multiple arrests made, sheriff says

Yolo County Sheriff’s deputies arrested three individuals Wednesday after discovering an active chop shop, according to the sheriff’s department.

Deputies responded to theft reports at several farms in the Woodland area over the last month, according to a news release from the sheriff’s department. The thefts targeted mainly vehicles and farm equipment, the release said.

The incidents were investigated by the Yolo County Ag Task Force, and a search warrant was served Wednesday morning at a business on the 2000 block of East Main Street in Woodland, according to the sheriff’s department.

Vehicles and equipment were found and recovered at the address, which was operating as a chop shop, according to the release.

Norberto Romero, 34, of Woodland, and George Navarro, 31, of Woodland, were arrested at the business for operating a chop shop, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy, according to the release.

Sergio Zaragoza, 25, of Woodland was located and arrested in Dunnigan, north of Woodland, on Wednesday for possession of stolen property and vehicle theft.

All three were booked at the Yolo County Jail.

The Yolo County Sheriff’s Department is still actively investigating this case. Anyone with information is encouraged to call dispatch at 530-666-8282, or report tips anonymously at 530-668-5248.

This story was originally published December 13, 2018 at 3:00 AM.