Nine stolen vehicles found at suspected chop shop in Santa Cruz Mountains

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Multiple stolen vehicles were found at what investigators believe may be a chop shop, according to the Santa Cruz CHP.

The auto theft task force served a search warrant at an address on Highland Way after a Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office patrol deputy reported suspicious auto theft activity.

The suspect, Victor Avalos, was not at the address when investigators served the search warrant.

During the search, the task force said it found nine stolen vehicles, including cars, a travel trailer and an ATV.

Avaloz was found walking on Highland Way in the evening when the task force was leaving the area, and he ran from them. Officers were able to find and arrest Avaloz shortly after.