The Bakersfield Police Department has taken a man into custody following the search of an automotive business in east Bakersfield.

The full release can be seen below:

On March 24th, officers with the Bakersfield Police Department with assistance from the California Highway Patrol’s Kern County Auto Theft Taskforce arrested Francisco Valencia (27) of Bakersfield at a mechanic business storefront “Moraless Auto and Truck Mechanic,” located at 128 East Terrace Way. Based upon the investigation and a search of the business, three partially dismantled stolen vehicles, several stolen vehicle engines, transmissions, car parts and 43 catalytic converters were recovered.

Valencia was arrested for operating a chop shop, possession of stolen property, possession of stolen vehicles, possession of burglary tools and possession of methamphetamine. He was transported and booked into the Kern County Jail.

Valencia had previously been arrested on February 11th, 2022, at a residence in the 2000 block of Michael Street by the Bakersfield Police Department. During that investigation, Bakersfield Police investigators identified Valencia as a purchaser of stolen catalytic converters. During a search warrant at the residence officers recovered 63 catalytic converters, a stolen vehicle trailer and 3 pounds of marijuana.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.