BORING, Ore. – Gresham police and a Clackamas County SWAT team busted a chop shop filled with stolen vehicles in Boring on Thursday, the sheriff's office said.
Authorities served a search warrant at 35000 Bell Maple Drive after an investigation that lasted several months, according to Sgt. Nathan Thompson.
Police recovered several vehicles on the property, including a snowmobile and a 1957 Chevy. At least two other confirmed stolen vehicles were also found at the scene, along with additional parts from other vehicles, Thompson said.
"Noise of cutting things apart, sawing and grinding during the night," said neighbor Marlene Glazier, describing what it was like living near the alleged operation. "They'd bring in trucks with lowboys hauling rigs, tow trucks and just individual cars at 3 or 4 in the morning. They'd be here for five minutes and then leave."
A small illegal marijuana grow was also found on the property.
Detectives detained several people at the scene. They took 47-year-old Grant Jerome Lauer into custody. Investigators said Lauer had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest.
Authorities called the Department of Human Services to investigate after they found a child living on the property.
Police are working with victims to identify the stolen vehicles and parts, Thompson said.
"We're always looking for these types of (illegal operations) and it really helps when we get public information our way, so we can build these investigations," said Thompson.
For Glazier and her neighbors, Thursday's bust meant peace of mind and for the first time in a while, a quiet night.
"Everybody just talked about it but nobody ever did anything," said Glazier. "Somebody finally did and I'm glad."
