Busted: Durham Police Shut Down Chop Shop, Recover 18 Stolen Cars

DURHAM, NC – Durham Police have arrested Ciro Manuel Perla-Lopez, 40, after uncovering a large-scale chop shop operation on Angier Avenue linked to stolen vehicles from multiple jurisdictions across the Triangle.

On February 22, 2025, officers responded to a stolen vehicle report in the 3200 block of Angier Avenue around 5:43 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a chop shop where multiple vehicles had been disassembled. In total, 18 stolen vehicles and additional stolen property were recovered. Authorities believe the vehicle thefts, which affected multiple areas, occurred from 2023 through 2025.

Perla-Lopez has been charged with:

• 18 counts of possession of a stolen motor vehicle
• Two counts of possession of stolen property
• One count of operating a chop shop

He is currently being held in the Durham County Jail.

This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Investigator B. Crabtree at 919-560-4440 ext. 29342 or submit an anonymous tip to CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200 for a reward of up to $2,000.

Durham CrimeStoppers

CrimeStoppers is a tip line that allows tipsters to report criminal activity anonymously. It is a partnership between the community, the media, law enforcement agencies, and businesses working together to solve crime. Callers are encouraged, via cash rewards and a promise of anonymity, to provide information leading to the arrest of suspected criminals. Information related to unsolved crimes and wanted persons is distributed to the community via various forms of media. Tipsters are encouraged to call CrimeStoppers and anonymously give any information about the unsolved crime or fugitive. CrimeStoppers forwards the information to the investigating law enforcement agency within Durham County. If the information is used by law enforcement and leads to a felony arrest, the tipster may be eligible to receive a cash reward. Reward payments range from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $2,000, depending on the severity of the crime. Visit www.durhamcrimestoppers.org for more information.