Trash fire leads police to Nutbush chop shop bust

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man was arrested after police say they caught him working on a stolen vehicle at a chop shop in Nutbush.

Hugo Alexander Miranda Aviles, 26, is charged with violating chop shop law, theft of property $10,000-$60,000, theft of property $2,500-$10,000, and vandalism $2,500 -$10,000.

On April 24, officers responded to the 3800 block of Burr Road regarding a complaint from the mayor’s office. Several people in the neighborhood were reportedly burning trash in their yards.

Officers say they saw a trash fire burning when they checked the area. That is when they approached the fire and saw Aviles working on a 2007 Chevy Silverado.

After further investigation, police say two of the vehicles at the residence came back stolen from various precincts across Memphis. Two other vehicles on the property were also believed to have been possibly stolen.

The Auto Theft Task Force was called to the residence and secured a search warrant. They say various paperwork and evidence related to the stolen vehicles were found.

MPD says they identified certain tattoos on the suspect which may be tied to the MS-13 gang.

Aviles was then taken into custody at that time.

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