HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. — Portland police, alongside federal officials, carried out a significant raid on two chop shops in Happy Valley near the Multnomah County line on Monday. The operation was part of an ongoing investigation into widespread auto theft in the region. According to Deputy District Attorney Cody Linderholm, one of the chop shops may be tied to hundreds of stolen vehicles.
Linderholm revealed that the investigation was prompted by the recovery of a stolen car from a different county, which ultimately led officers to the operation located off Southeast 172nd Avenue and Huckleberry Street. Authorities tracked the vehicle, and their efforts culminated in the raid on the shop, which they had been monitoring for some time.
During the operation, one individual was arrested. However, that person’s identity has not been released, and no formal charges have been filed at this time. The District Attorney’s Office confirmed it intends to pursue charges against those involved in the criminal enterprise.
“This is a clear message that we will not tolerate property crimes, including car theft,” said Linderholm in a press briefing. “If you’re stealing cars, you’re committing serious offenses that affect people’s livelihoods. These are not just vehicles; they are the means by which people get to work, to doctor appointments, and manage their day-to-day lives. It is completely unacceptable, and we will hold those responsible accountable.”
Over the past 18 months, Linderholm emphasized that the focus has been on apprehending prolific offenders, and preliminary data suggests that crime rates linked to auto theft are on the decline.
The authorities’ raid is part of broader efforts to curb vehicle theft and dismantle illegal operations profiting from stolen cars. As investigations continue, officials remain committed to addressing this growing issue in the community and ensuring that those behind such crimes face justice.
