Two Stolen Vehicles Found at Nashville 'Chop Shop'

Authorities arrested two suspects after discovering the cars being stripped for parts.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car part or component, such as a headlight or side mirror, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty reality of a chop shop operation.The discovery of a 'backyard chop shop' highlights the ongoing challenge of vehicle theft and illegal dismantling operations in urban areas.Today in Nashville

Metro Nashville Police Department detectives discovered two stolen vehicles, a 2020 Infiniti Q50 and a 2018 Dodge Charger, at a residence in Nashville's Bubbling Well neighborhood. The cars were being stripped for parts by 20-year-old Miguel Alvarenga-Torres and a 17-year-old boy, who fled from police but were later apprehended following a brief chase.

Why it matters

Chop shops that dismantle stolen vehicles for their parts are an ongoing problem in many urban areas, contributing to property crime and creating a black market for auto parts. This incident highlights the work law enforcement is doing to crack down on these illegal operations and recover stolen vehicles.

The details

According to police, the two suspects were stripping the stolen Infiniti and Dodge for parts when detectives arrived at the residence on Bubbling Well Road. Both Alvarenga-Torres and the 17-year-old fled the scene but were quickly arrested following a short pursuit. The vehicles were recovered, but authorities did not provide details on when or where they were originally stolen.

  • On Thursday, April 16, Metro Nashville Police Department detectives discovered the stolen vehicles at a residence.
  • Alvarenga-Torres was booked into jail on Friday, April 17 at 2 a.m.

The players

Miguel Alvarenga-Torres

A 20-year-old Nashville resident who was arrested and charged with vehicle theft, vandalism, evading arrest, and operating a chop shop.

17-year-old boy

A juvenile who was also arrested and charged with similar offenses, as well as juvenile handgun possession.

Metro Nashville Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation and made the arrests.

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What’s next

The 17-year-old suspect will face charges in Juvenile Court, while Alvarenga-Torres' bond was set at $47,000 for the various offenses.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing problem of chop shops and vehicle theft in urban areas, and the importance of law enforcement efforts to disrupt these illegal operations and recover stolen property.