Auto chop shop operation uncovered in Missouri City, stolen vehicles found

MISSOURI CITY, Texas - A major investigation is underway after Missouri City after authorities uncovered a chop shop while conducting a routine traffic stop.

Auto chop shop discovered in Missouri City

The backstory:

The Missouri City Police Department said officers were called around 12:04 p.m. on Tuesday about a suspicious vehicle on Brown Street. A neighbor told police a box truck with no license plates dropped off car parts.

When they got to the scene, officials saw a box truck leaving the property and conducted a traffic stop. 

Francisco Tovar Reyes, the driver, was arrested on a warrant for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and possession of stolen car parts.

MCPD officers spoke with the business owner, Mohammed Fattoe, about the recent delivery. After checking the VIN number of a pickup truck on the business property, it was confirmed the vehicle was stolen. Six vehicles were confirmed to have been stolen at the time. Fattoe was arrested for possession of stolen property.

Investigators went back to the business property on Wednesday with a search warrant. Authorities say they have found a total of 10 stolen vehicles and vehicle parts were confirmed by multiple police agencies.

According to police, they were assisted by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police Department, Texas DPS, Fort Bend DA's office and NICB.

The investigation is ongoing.