Introduction to the Case
A man and woman were arrested after police said they uncovered a motorcycle “chop shop” at a home in Coral Gables.
Arrests and Charges
Janet Barbara Blanco, 37, and Eric Cordero, 29, were arrested Tuesday on charges including operating a chop shop, grand theft of a vehicle, dealing in stolen property, possession of a counterfeit VIN, and masked burglary, Miami-Dade jail records showed.
Janet Barbara Blanco and Eric Cordero
Discovery of the Chop Shop
According to an arrest report, the chop shop was discovered after police responded to a call of an aggravated assault with a knife at a home on Romano Avenue and discovered a Suzuki motorcycle parked in a driveway had a license plate for a BMW motorcycle.
Investigators determined the Suzuki had been stolen in Miami on March 14, the report said.
Blanco, the renter at the home, allowed police to enter and officers found two motorcycles inside that had also been stolen, the report said.
Police said the VINs to all three motorcycles were altered and/or obscured.
Also found inside the home were motorcycle parts and a moped.
Statements from the Suspects
Cordero, who lives with Blanco in the home, claimed he was the owner of two of the motorcycles, the report said.
Blanco claimed the motorcycles belong to other people who brought them to Cordero to be fixed, the report said.
Additional Charges
The pair is also charged in the Feb. 29 theft of Suzuki motorcycle from a parking garage of a condo building on Northwest New River Drive in Miami.
According to the arrest reports, video showed Blanco driving a motorcycle with Cordero on the back into the garage and the pair was later seen leaving on the stolen motorcycle.
Aftermath
Blanco and Cordero were booked into jail, and were expected to appear in bond court on Wednesday.
Conclusion
The discovery of the motorcycle "chop shop" in Coral Gables highlights the ongoing issue of vehicle theft and the importance of vigilant law enforcement. The arrests of Janet Barbara Blanco and Eric Cordero serve as a reminder that such illegal activities will not be tolerated.
FAQs
Q: What is a "chop shop"?
A: A "chop shop" is a place where stolen vehicles are dismantled and their parts are sold, often to be used in other vehicles.
Q: What charges do Janet Barbara Blanco and Eric Cordero face?
A: They face charges including operating a chop shop, grand theft of a vehicle, dealing in stolen property, possession of a counterfeit VIN, and masked burglary.
Q: How were the suspects caught?
A: The suspects were caught after police responded to a call of an aggravated assault with a knife at a home on Romano Avenue and discovered a Suzuki motorcycle with a license plate for a BMW motorcycle.
Q: What is the status of the suspects?
A: Blanco and Cordero were booked into jail and were expected to appear in bond court.
