Two Arrested in Miami-Dade Chop Shop Bust

Stolen cars and burglary tools found at abandoned home

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:07pm

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An extreme close-up of a car key and a screwdriver, sharply lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the tools used in a chop shop operation.A bust of an alleged chop shop operation in Miami-Dade exposes the tools of the trade behind vehicle theft and property crime.Today in Miami

A 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old were arrested after authorities discovered a chop shop operation in northwest Miami-Dade, where multiple stolen vehicles, including Honda CR-Vs, were found dismantled and stripped of parts.

Why it matters

Chop shops are a major source of vehicle theft and property crime in the Miami area, causing significant financial losses for victims and raising public safety concerns. This bust highlights law enforcement's efforts to crack down on these illegal operations.

The details

According to the police report, a woman was able to track her stolen Honda CR-V to an abandoned home in the 1300 block of Northwest 77th Terrace. When deputies responded, they found the two suspects nearby, who then fled on foot before being apprehended. The stolen CR-V was recovered, along with three other Honda CR-Vs that had been dismantled and had various parts missing. Burglary tools were also found in a backpack worn by the 19-year-old suspect.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The woman's stolen Honda CR-V had been taken on March 30, 2026.

The players

Jose Manuel Moreno

A 19-year-old man arrested on multiple charges, including grand theft of a vehicle, burglary, operating a chop shop, and resisting arrest.

17-year-old suspect

A juvenile also arrested in connection with the chop shop operation.

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What’s next

The 19-year-old suspect, Jose Manuel Moreno, was booked into jail, while the 17-year-old was taken to the juvenile assessment center. Authorities will continue to investigate the chop shop operation and any potential connections to other vehicle thefts in the area.

The takeaway

This bust highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on chop shops, which are a significant source of property crime and financial loss for victims in the Miami area. The recovery of multiple stolen vehicles and burglary tools at the abandoned home underscores the importance of vigilant community members and effective police work in disrupting these illegal operations.