Illegal Chop Shop in Texas Busted: $320K in Stolen Vehicle Parts Recovered!
A 43-year-old man from Alvin, Texas, has been arrested in connection with a massive illegal chop shop operation. Christopher Knippers was taken into custody by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office as part of the Gulf Coast Auto Crimes Task Force’s ongoing efforts to combat auto theft. Knippers faces charges of 1st Degree Felony Theft of Property valued at over $300,000.
The investigation began in May 2024 when the task force received an anonymous tip alleging that Knippers was running a chop shop from his residential property under the name “South East Diesel and Performance.” Acting on the tip, investigators launched an inquiry that eventually led to the discovery of the illegal operation.
A search warrant was executed at the property, revealing a treasure trove of stolen vehicle parts valued at $320,868.58. The operation also uncovered several stolen vehicles with tampered or fake Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). These vehicles had been reported stolen from multiple states, highlighting the scale of the operation.
Following the investigation, the Brazoria County Grand Jury indicted Knippers, who was booked into the Brazoria County Jail and is currently being held on a $75,000 bond.
The Gulf Coast Auto Crimes Task Force, funded by the state, is dedicated to investigating and preventing auto theft-related crimes across Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda counties. The task force credited a vigilant community member with providing the critical tip that ultimately led to Knippers’ arrest.
In a statement, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, Galveston Police Department, La Marque Police Department, and League City Police Department for their assistance in the investigation. The collaboration among these agencies played a significant role in dismantling the illegal operation.
This case underscores the importance of community involvement in uncovering and stopping organized crime. Authorities continue to urge residents to report suspicious activities, as these tips often serve as the starting point for major investigations.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to trace the origins of the stolen parts and vehicles.
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