MISSOURI CITY, Texas – What started as a routine traffic stop turned into a major breakthrough in the fight against vehicle theft in the Houston area.
According to the Missouri City Police Department, the stop uncovered evidence that led to a large-scale auto chop shop operation. As the investigation expanded, authorities discovered multiple stolen vehicles and vehicle parts tied to theft cases across the region.
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Officers responded to a call around noon Tuesday from someone near a local business who reported that a box truck had just dropped off car parts at the location. When officials arrived, they stopped the vehicle in question.
The driver, identified as Francisco Tovar Reyes, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and charged with possession of stolen auto parts.
Investigators later returned to the location where the parts had been delivered. After examining VIN numbers, authorities determined that at least six vehicles connected to the parts had been reported stolen.
The business owner, identified as Mohammed Fattoe, was also arrested and charged with possession of stolen property.
Officials say the takedown significantly disrupted the local stolen vehicle market and helped improve public safety in Missouri City and surrounding communities.
Police credited strong interagency partnerships and proactive policing strategies for the success of the investigation. The case remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may be forthcoming.
As of Wednesday night, Missouri City police confirm to KPRC 2 News Reporter Corley Peel that investigators have recovered 25 stolen vehicles and parts. This includes vehicle parts, frames and chassis. Many of them were Chevy’s, according to police. The recoveries today were from outside agencies and not Missouri City Police. Detectives say the number could go up when investigators return to the business on Thursday.
Neighbor Maria Sanchez, who lives next door to the business told Corley she knows the owner and had no idea anything illegal was happening.
“They told me they would fix up the cars and sell them in Europe. I saw broken cars all the time, maybe from a crash and a big truck delivering, that’s it,” Sanchez said.