Chop Shop discovered at 2007 Market St.

Lewis Roosevelt, age 74 of Shehy Street was recently arrested and is facing 14 counts for receiving stolen properties particularly cars and various car parts. According to Detective Sgt. Anthony Longmire, head of the auto theft division, “He has no record, other than traffic.” This fact is agreed in by Dana C. Guarnieri, the Assistant Prosecutor.

And last Thursday in a municipal court, Mr. Roosevelt bond was set at $50,000. He will be back on June 20,207 for a preliminary hearing.

Longmire said that the vacant business at 2007 Market St., the former Ziebart building was converted as a chop shop operated by the 74 year old Mr. Roosevelt. It is in this vacant building wherein stolen vehicles were stored including auto parts that were cannibalized from other stolen cars such as hoods, doors, and license plates.

How was the chop shop discovered?

Detective Sgt. Longmire said, “We got involved after a fire. The fire was ‘helpful.” It can be remembered that last May 6 an accidental fire occurred in the former Ziebart building turned chop shop. Although the fire didn’t damage the inside of the building it however helped in exposing the illegal activity going on in there, explained fire Capt. Alvin Ware.

Detective Sgt. Longmire also said that the vehicles and parts found inside the building were traced to thefts from all the surrounding communities. He said that it’s through the auto parts identification numbers that they were able to conclude that the stolen parts were not only from one place but also from neighboring communities. Detective Sgt. Longmire further explains, “If you know where to look” in fact that can be used to trace ownership.

Detective Longmire said that Mr. Roosevelt has been renting the building for almost ten years now. But for how long the building has been used as a chop shop is not known but the good detective thinks that the illegal operation has been going for years possibly because of the accumulated cannibalized auto parts found there.

Chop shops will not flourish if there was no market for it…

According to Detective Longmire the 14 charges that Mr. Roosevelt is currently facing may still increase as the investigation progresses. Detective Sgt. Longmire explains, “Chop shops are a problem for society. We make every effort to locate them. I took over the auto theft division in September and this is my first chop shop — I want more, I want them all.”

He also said that there is a big market for stolen car parts but he refused to elaborate on the subject. He also refused to divulge information on who has been buying them for the Market Street shop. He simply said, “It’s still an active case.”

According to police findings the vehicles found inside the Market Street building were comprised of a 1991 Ford Expedition; 2004 Dodge Ram pickup; 1999 Chevrolet Silverado; 1999 Jeep Cherokee; and a 991 Cadillac.

There were also cannibalized auto parts like doors—from a 1994 Buick; 1998 Buick; 1987 Chevrolet Caprice; 1998Dodege Durango; and 2001 Oldsmobile; hood—from a 1992 Buick; plus three license plates. So far these are just some of the parts recovered. No other reports about other parts such as Dodge roll bar and others were mentioned. But detective Longmire assures that more evidences will surface as they continue with their investigation.

The 14 warrants for Mr. Roosevelt were issued last Tuesday and he was arrested at his own residence the following day by members of the US Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.

Written by Car Enthusiast on May 30th, 2007 with no comments.
Read more articles on Automotive.

Related articles

No comments

There are still no comments on this article.

Leave your comment...

If you want to leave your comment on this article, simply fill out the next form:

You have to be identified to write a comment.

Tips In Choosing The Appropriate Car Or Limo Service You Need

With the various limousine services in Toronto, one might get a headache on which to call and avail services from. There might not only be hundreds of limousine services in Toronto so it is more advisable to be wise and prepared in choosing the appropriate limo ride for your needs. Here are some tips that you should remember in deciding what limo service you must avail:

1. Do some background checking or ask friends if they have availed services from your preferred Toronto car service company.

This is a wise action to make before getting services; it is a-must to orient yourselves before getting service. There are a huge variety of car services available within Toronto but only a few are reliable. So, better prevent yourselves from being deceived by those crappy limousine services that will only get into your nerves because of poor service.

2. Ask for free estimates or price consultation.

In some aspects, hiring a car service like an airport limousine service in Toronto might sometimes cost you more than the usual. That’s why in cases such as this it is recommendable to ask for free estimates or price consultation so that you will have the chance to prepare a budget which best fits the kind of limo or car service for you needs. Many Toronto limousine rentals actually provide offers such as this so better call up those kind of car services.

3. Protect your interest.

When getting a Toronto airport limo service, for example, be advised that it is your needs that is what’s important. Do not let yourselves be manipulated on the kind and the type of car or limo ride you need. You are the person who best know what you need so state everything you need from the start and communicate very well with the car or limo service company you are about to avail. There are too many risk that might come and no one for sure wants to experience the hassles of traveling.

4. Comfort and Security at all times.

Two main reasons why many individuals prefer to get a private car or limo service when touring or traveling in different places are comfort and security. Especially if one is traveling along with family or business colleagues, it is more of a guarantee that he or she is traveling with comfort and safety. And to be able to ensure to get comfort and security, finding a reliable and credible company providing services like airport limousine service in Toronto is the key to get hold of one. And lastly:

5. Make sure the company is legal.

One good way in checking if a car service company is legal or not is through inquiring in a transportation office. Through a quick call or surf in the internet can be used as tools in checking if it’s legal or not. Just make sure to provide the correct information about the car service company you are about to get. Also, ask if they are bonded just to serve as your service protection from them.

These tips stated above are only a few from the long list on how to get or select the appropriate and reliable car service company you need to avail. Making sure only takes a little of your time so better do them before getting one. These tips will serve as you shield against deceitful companies that might take advantage of you. Remember, it is better to be safe than to gain bad consequences in return.

Andrew Beene is a web associated with a company providing Toronto car service.

Written by Car Enthusiast on August 21st, 2008 with comments disabled.
Read more articles on Automotive.

Related articles

Comments disabled

Comments on this article have been disabled.