Police busted an apparent chop shop in north Harris County and arrested nine people allegedly responsible for stealing more than $400,000 worth of cars.
The people charged in connection to the auto theft ring are Jose Alberto Vasquez, 21; Efrain Felipe Rivas, 21; Mario Cesar Caraza, 28; Lorenzo Nathan Hernandez, 21; Rene Castro, 38; Alejandro Lumbreras, 22; Jorge Alberto Sanchez, 22; Nathan Castro, 22; and Jeyson Gonzalez, 23.
Sources close to the investigation told ABC13 that a Texas Ranger had his personal truck stolen in Katy. So, the Katy Police Department got involved, and their investigation led them to the alleged chop shop located at 911 Hodgkins St.
Surveillance footage shows Katy police and undercover investigators surrounding the shop at about 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
According to records, Rene Castro, the ringleader and organizer, has a lengthy criminal history and has been out on bond since 2021, accused of doing the same thing. His new charges will be his sixth bond violation, records add.