Four men were arrested in an alleged auto chop shop operation in the backyard of a Kinser Road residence on Thursday morning, Jan. 29.

At 9:30 a.m. Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force (StanCATT) received information about a stolen 2004 Chevy SS pickup out of Modesto with an activated LoJack device signal. StanCATT officers located the vehicle in the backyard of a house in the 1300 block of Kinser Road in Ceres. The officers watched the property and observed four men actively removing parts from the stolen pickup. Ceres police officers were called for backup as they swoop in to arrest the men. All four attempted to run but were blocked. Arrested on charges of possession of stolen property were Eduardo Carranza, 21, of Ceres, Pioquinto Carranza, 30, of Ceres, Juan Corrilo, 21, of Riverbank, and Cody Hill, 21, of Ripon.

A search warrant was obtained and the property was found to yield another 2004 Chevy pickup, this one stolen from a Contra Costa County owner. The interior parts had been removed.

A search of the home turned up a quarter-pound of marijuana, heroin residue, heroine packaging materials, a scale and approximately $9,000 cash. All were seized as evidence.

The two vehicles were released to their owners.

Pioquinto Carranza faces charges of possession of marijuana for sale and possession of a controlled substance.