Police searching for man involved in chop shop

By Tim Richardson (contact)

Monday, Dec. 22, 2008 | 1:23 p.m.

Metro Police

Agustin Blanco

Metro Police

Sergio Chavez

Metro Police are asking for the public's help in finding a man wanted in connection with a vehicle chop shop operation.

The investigation started Dec. 7, when North Las Vegas Police tracked a stolen sport motorcycle to 5313 La Quinta Hills St., which is northwest of the intersection of Losee Road and Craig Street. When police arrived, authorities said, several people left the scene, leaving behind their own vehicles and evidence of a chop shop.

Police served a search warrant at the location, arrested Agustin Blanco and recovered stolen items. Detectives also identified other suspects allegedly involved in the operation.

On Dec. 15, authorities served another search warrant on Blanco's business, GQ Electric, and the home of one of his employees, Sergio Chavez. As a result, police recovered more stolen vehicles -- including vehicles that had their VIN numbers switched -- and tools used to dismantle stolen cars, police said.

Blanco was released after the initial investigation, but authorities now are hoping to find him for charges stemming from the investigation at GQ Electric, Metro Police said.

In all, detectives recovered four stolen vehicles, six motorcycles, one ATV and a motorcycle engine. Several cases of insurance fraud also were committed, police said.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Blanco is being asked to call Lt. Robert Duvall at 828-3576 or a police pager at 262-3736.