DPS troopers raid homes as part of chop shop investigation

MESA, Ariz. (KSAZ) - It was a very busy morning as DPS SWAT teams served search warrants looking into some pretty dangerous crimes.

One of the men living at a Mesa home raided was not happy to see television crews and their cameras. He was allowed to go back inside after authorities left. The windows were shattered by flash bang grenades around 5:30 a.m. when DPS officers swarmed the house near Broadway and Stapley. At the same time they raided a home near McClintock and Southern after a months long investigation into a car theft ring.

"So far I can confirm that we have several stolen vehicles. They vary from trailers and motorcycles at this point. We have evidence of a chop shop in at least one of these locations. We also seized some drugs and several stolen weapons," said Capt. Sean Carney.

DPS officers raided the home in undercover vehicles as they searched for evidence. Troopers say the groups involved in this operation are associated with the Aryan Brotherhood and White Supremacy Groups.

Detectives detained and interviewed several people and are looking into any possible connection to the shooting death of 32-year-old Curtis Fish earlier this month in San Tan Valley.

One person was arrested at the Tempe home, more arrests are possible as the investigation continues.