Two individuals from Waterbury, Melvin Mendez, 33, and Ronal Breins, 34, were arrested and charged after a police investigation uncovered a chop shop operation in the city. Waterbury police’s Auto Theft Unit had been investigating stolen vehicles, particularly those no longer seen on the road.
On January 7, 2025, a search warrant was executed at a garage on East Street, where officers discovered numerous car parts, including a full engine and transmission from a stolen Infiniti. These parts were being installed into another Infiniti Q50 at the garage.
Authorities seized and documented the stolen car components and charged both Mendez and Breins with larceny of a motor vehicle, criminal trover, operating a chop shop, and running an unlicensed garage.
Both suspects posted $100,000 bonds and are scheduled to appear before a judge on January 24, 2025.