Athabasca RCMP have uncovered what they believe to be a chop shop containing millions of dollars worth of stolen vehicles and equipment.
The discovery followed a report from a victim whose vehicle had been stolen on December 29. The vehicle’s onboard GPS led police to a rural property in Athabasca County. Officers obtained and executed a search warrant at the property where they discovered a trove of stolen vehicles, including semi-trucks, trailers, off-road vehicles, heavy equipment, and parts.
The value of the recovered property is estimated to be in the millions, though police are still conducting a full inventory.
36 year old Kyle Cushing of Athabasca has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and altering, destroying, or removing a Vehicle Identification Number.
Cushing appeared before a Justice of the Peace and was released with conditions. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 27.
Police are working to identify the rightful owners of the recovered items.
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