ATLANTA, Ga. — Larry Dobbs, 46, has been arrested and charged with running a chop shop after police tracked a stolen mini excavator to his residence in Norcross. Authorities allege Dobbs was operating an illegal operation where stolen vehicles are scrapped and sold for parts.
Dobbs faces multiple charges, including theft, drug possession, altering VIN numbers, and possessing tools for committing a crime, according to Gwinnett County police.
The investigation began on Tuesday when a man reported his mini excavator had been stolen. The equipment was equipped with a GPS tracker, which led officers to 846 Rockbridge Way in Norcross. From the street, police could see the stolen excavator at the location.
A search warrant was secured, and detectives discovered over $100,000 worth of stolen property, including two excavators, a stolen SUV, three vehicles with altered VINs, two stolen motorcycles, and a trailer. In addition, police found fentanyl, oxycodone, and a stolen handgun.
Dobbs was arrested and taken to Gwinnett County Jail, where he is being held on a $9,600 bond.