The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office arrested three people Friday at the scene of an apparent “chop shop.”
Deputies received information from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office regarding a vehicle stolen from their jurisdiction, on Jan. 11. Investigators learned that the stolen vehicle had later been seen at 13154 CR 727, Tarrytown within Sumter County. That location was believed to be operating as a chop shop for stolen vehicles. Surveillance of the property uncovered numerous vehicles at that location in various points of disassembly.
Sumter County detectives responded to the address on Friday, locating a stolen Toyota Camry from Pasco County. Detectives observed the suspects working on vehicles in the yard; the suspects were later identified as Phillip Dewayne Scott Sr., Phillip Dewayne Scott Jr., and Nichole Marie Scott. At that point, a search warrant was sought for the entire premises. While executing the search warrant detectives observed what appeared to be a very meticulous operation, the vehicles were dismantled with particular attention paid to the destruction of identifying parts and property. Detectives observed numerous small fires around the property each containing automotive components. The stolen vehicle from Pasco County was found upside down on its roof and completely stripped of interior components, including the motor and transmission. Many of the components from that vehicle had already been removed from the premises.
Further inspection of the premises revealed rodent activity inside the home where children were present. Numerous environmental hazards were present, some of which included an open septic tank, glass and metal shards throughout the entire property, boards with rusted nails and other hidden dangers often associated with the operation of a chop shop. The Department of Children and Families was contacted regarding the well-being of the children at the home. Detectives are still investigating and more charges are anticipated.
All three were taken into custody and booked at the Sumter County Detention Center.
