A patrol officer recovered a stolen box truck Friday morning, leading to the discovery of an alleged chop shop and the arrest of a 34-year-old man, according to the Madera Police Department.

An officer located the box truck while patrolling the 1400 block of Sharon Boulevard. Police said the truck had been reported stolen the previous day.

The investigation led officers to a nearby residence, where they contacted Juan Pozos, 34, who police said was believed to be involved in the vehicle theft. Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence.

During the search, investigators said they found evidence of an active chop shop and discovered another stolen vehicle that was in the process of being dismantled.

Pozos was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail on suspicion of operating a chop shop and offenses related to auto theft.

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