By Brian Hews
Bryan Augstin, 27 of Norwalk, was arrested in connecting with a car “chop shop” operation that was operating out of South Los Angeles.
The Taskforce for Regional Autotheft Prevention (T.R.A.P.) announced the arrest of Augstin and three other suspects after a search warrant was conducted during a routine probation compliance search at the 300 block of West 51st Street.
On Wednesday, Detectives observed several males in the back yard dismantling a 2001 Acura Integra. When the detectives made contact with them, two males fled into the residence and were later located hiding inside.
A resident of the location, 30 year-old Suspect Rashad Criss of Los Angeles and three other males; 29 year-old Suspect Joshua Gonzalez of Los Angeles, Agustin and 22 year-old Suspect Richard Lopez of Stanton, were arrested for operating a chop shop.
The Acura was stolen from the Cal State Long Beach college campus earlier in the day. The owner was unaware that his vehicle had been stolen until he was contacted by law enforcement.
Detectives also located components belonging to a 2006 Acura RSX stolen from the Cal State Fullerton college campus June 19, 2012.
The victims of the thefts were from Redlands and Huntington Beach.
