Members of the Chattanooga Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit broke up a major auto theft ring Friday night.
Police said officers were contacted July 29 by Southern Power Sports requesting assistance with a possible in-house theft. During the investigation it was determined that 32 vehicles (street motorcycles, dirt bikes, cruisers and 4 wheel ATVs) had been stolen.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that these on-going thefts totaled up to more than a $150,000 loss for the owners of Southern Power Sports.
During the course of the investigation, it was found that a temporary employee, hired from an outside agency, was allowing people into the company’s warehouse during the times it was closed. He was taking crack cocaine in exchange for the suspects being allowed to enter the warehouse, with their trucks and trailers waiting outside, and take whatever they wanted, police said.
The equipment that was taken ranged in value from $1,100 - $17,000 and the thefts occurred over a 2–3 week period.
Since the investigation started, there have been 12 of the 32 vehicles recovered. The vehicles recovered have totaled $45,000.
Police said this was made possible through three search warrants and five arrests that have been made so far. More arrests are pending in the weeks to come.
Officials in the auto theft division say they believe the 20 remaining bikes are still in the Chattanooga area. They are encouraging anyone who may have recently purchased a motorcycle or ATV at an unbelievable price, from an individual, to please call their office at 423-643-5389.
As long as people bring this to their attention, there will not be any charges brought against them, it was stated.
The locations of the three search warrants are 2510 McRae St, 4710 Arrowhead Trail and 2010 N. Chamberlain Ave.
The five suspects whot have been arrested so far are 33-year-old Victor Hunt, the temporary employee;
19-year-old Patrick Brown, 26-year-old Donyeal Copeland, 19-year-old Bronathan Carter, and Harold Bragg.
There have been four other people questioned in the investigation thus far.
The business address for Southern Power Sports is 4704 Dodds Ave. The firm's warehouse is located on Workman Road.