WATERBURY — Police uncovered an illegal chop shop and arrested two men following a search of a garage on East Street, authorities said Tuesday.
The Waterbury Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit executed a search warrant at 33-35 East Street on Jan. 7, 2025, after an extensive investigation into stolen vehicles and parts.
Inside the garage, investigators found numerous car parts from various vehicles, including a full engine and transmission from a stolen Infiniti.
These parts were being installed into another Infiniti Q50, police said.
Officers seized and documented multiple stolen car components from the scene.
As a result of the investigation, police arrested Melvin Mendez, 33, and Ronal Breins, 34, both of Waterbury.
They face charges including larceny of motor vehicle, criminal trover, owning or operating a chop shop, and operation of an unlicensed garage.
The search was conducted with support from the Vice and Intelligence Unit, the Gang Task Force, and the State Police Violent Crimes Unit.
