CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Wasatch County authorities bust chop shop operation

Sep 26, 2023, 8:30 PM | Updated: Sep 27, 2023, 12:38 pm

A man is being held without bail after police say he forcibly kissed a Brigham Young University stu...

Three people have been arrested in Wasatch County in connection to a chop shop operation. (Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News)

(Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office says three people have been arrested in connection to a chop shop operation.

On Sept. 20, according to a news release, deputies were called to 1719 E. Main Canyon Road near Wallsburg to look for a stolen vehicle. The vehicle, equipped with GPS, was taken from another county earlier in the day. 

Law enforcement personnel obtained a search warrant for the property. During the search, authorities discovered several vehicles, trailers, all-terrain vehicles, and power tools on the property.

Chop shop operation confirmed

With the assistance of the Utah Department of Motor Vehicles, deputies determined that all the vehicles were stolen.

Also, in the search of the property, deputies found illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. Authorities also found tools “consistent with committing burglaries and thefts.”

Authorities apprehended Tyler Boyd James Hewitt, 32, of Wallsburg; Trista Roxanne Samson, 27, of Magna; and Trenton Bailey Gates, 27, of Centerville.

Hewitt was booked into jail for investigation of theft of an automobile, theft of property, and weapons offense. He was also booked for investigation of possession of a vehicle without a VIN, giving false information to an officer, obstruction of justice, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance. Authorities also say there are several warrants for his arrest.

Samson was booked into jail for investigation of theft of a stolen vehicle and property theft. Samson was also booked for investigation of possession of a vehicle without a VIN, giving false information to an officer, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance. Authorities also said there were several warrants for Samson’s arrest.

Gates was booked into jail for investigation of theft of a stolen vehicle and theft of property. Gates was also booked for investigation of possession of a vehicle without a VIN and giving false information to an officer. Additionally, Gates was also booked for obstructing justice, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of controlled substances. Authorities also say there are statewide warrants out for Gates’ arrest.

The release states that the charges are only a summary at this time. The investigation and processing of stolen property are ongoing. Authorities say the property being searched is more than 100 acres in size and could take several more days. 

Read more:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Crime, Police + Courts

DANIEL WOODRUFF

Some DUI convicts in Utah may have ‘no alcohol sale’ stamped on ID under new bill

SALT LAKE CITY – A proposal in the Legislature would require certain Utahns convicted of DUI to carry a special driver’s license stating they are not allowed to buy alcohol. HB437, sponsored by Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy, advanced unanimously Wednesday out of the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee. It moves to the full […]

55 minutes ago

FILE - The company logo shines off the hood of a 2021 K5 sedan on display in the Kia exhibit at the...

SHELBY LOFTON

Kias in North Salt Lake now the target of vehicle break-ins, thefts

Another Utah neighborhood is being targeted for kia vehicle thefts. This time, police said the cars are often leaving them in driveways damaged.

11 hours ago

Taylorsville shooting...

Mary Culbertson

2 seriously injured in Taylorsville shooting, prompting ‘hold’ protocol at 10 schools

Multiple schools in the Granite School District were put on "hold" status after two injured in a Taylorsville shooting.

20 hours ago

judge retention bill...

Adam Small

Utah bill proposes 67% vote requirement for judicial retention

Under current Utah law, a simple majority is needed in the general election for judicial retention.

2 days ago

A Uintah County woman is accused of putting Borax in her children's water, allegedly to help their ...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah woman accused of putting Borax in her children’s water

Prosecutors say since the beginning of the school year in August, the suspect, Barbara Susan Williford, 47, "had been putting a pinch of Borax in her minor child's water."

3 days ago

A Unified Police Department vehicle sits in a neighborhood in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Friday, Feb....

Michael Houck

SWAT arrests man suspected of robbing a Utah bank and sending threats to another

SALT LAKE CITY — A man is accused of robbing a bank and stealing a dollar amount to reference the 9/11 attacks. On Thursday, Unified police and the FBI were called to a robbery that happened at a Chase Bank on 2855 E, 3300 South in Millcreek. Witnesses told investigators that a white man with […]

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Wasatch County authorities bust chop shop operation