CHP - Major Crimes Unit

CHP - Major Crimes Unit This is the official Facebook account for the CHP Central Division Major Crimes Unit

05/01/2026

🚨 HEAT Task Force Recovery 🚨

Yesterday, the CHP Central Division Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) Task Force recovered a stolen Dodge Charger out of Ceres that had been taken back in 2025.

A sharp HEAT investigator spotted a modified, souped-up Charger cruising through Fresno—but something didn’t add up… 👀 That same vehicle was already known to be sitting disassembled and undrivable at a separate location. One car can’t be in two places at once.

Trusting their instincts, HEAT investigators took a closer look and uncovered the truth: the Charger on the road was actually a different vehicle tied to the original theft out of Ceres.

Thanks to their attention to detail and persistence, the stolen vehicle was recovered and is now being returned to its rightful owner. 👏

04/28/2026

🚨Auto Theft Bust in Fresno🚨

Last week, CHP Central Division's Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) Task Force teamed up with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) to investigate suspicious vehicles at a Fresno residence.

What they found:

☑️Three high-end stolen vehicles recovered - valued at over $350,000

☑️A loaded .357 revolver seized from one of the drivers

All stolen vehicles were successfully returned to their rightful owners.

The NICB continues to play a critical role by partnering with insurance companies, consumers, and law enforcement to combat fraud and theft through intelligence, analytics, and investigations.

04/20/2026

Major Narcotics Seizure in Fresno County.

On April 17, 2026, a traffic stop on northbound Interstate 5 in Fresno County led to a significant drug and firearm seizure.

After observing multiple violations, a CHP K9 Sergeant conducted an enforcement stop and contacted the driver. During the contact, the odor of burnt ma*****na and additional indicators of criminal activity were detected. After receiving consent to search the vehicle, officers located approximately 61 pounds of methamphetamine and 7 pounds of fentanyl powder inside the trunk compartment. A loaded stolen handgun was also recovered from the center console.

The driver was taken into custody without incident, and the investigation was turned over to the Fresno High Impact Investigations Team (HIIT).

Estimated Street Value:
Methamphetamine: $2,215,520
Fentanyl: $254,240

Charges include:

-Possession for sale (methamphetamine & fentanyl)
-Transportation of methamphetamine
-Possession of a loaded firearm while in possession of narcotics

04/10/2026

Chop Shop Busted, Big Rigs Recovered 🚛

On March 20, 2026, Kern County Auto Theft Taskforce (KernCATT) detectives responded to assist Kern County deputies who tracked a stolen big rig to a property in south east Bakersfield Ca. What they found….one stolen rig which was still running, multiple big rigs in various stages of being dismantled but no suspects.

A search warrant led to the recovery of 8 stolen vehicles, including semi-trucks, trailers, heavy equipment, and even a sports car the owner didn’t realize was missing.

The investigation quickly expanded, linking two suspects to this incident and to multiple additional thefts across the area. After coordinated surveillance and tracking, KernCATT safely took two suspects into custody without incident—recovering even more stolen equipment nearby, including a recently taken backhoe.

Charges include:
• Operating a Chop Shop
• Vehicle Theft (11 counts)
• Grand Theft Auto (11 counts)
• Grand Theft with Prior Convictions
• Criminal Conspiracy
• Possession of Burglary Tools
• Reckless Driving
• Possession of Methamphetamine

Strong teamwork led to multiple recoveries and arrests, shutting down a major theft operation. 👏

04/09/2026

Earlier this month, the Reedley Police Department served a search warrant and spotted two suspicious vehicles—good instincts that paid off. 👀🚗

The CHP Central Division Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) Task Force responded and confirmed both vehicles were stolen, with altered identities to conceal their true origin.

This is exactly what strong partnerships look like. 🤝 By working side-by-side with our local allied agencies, HEAT is able to provide specialized vehicle theft expertise and help recover stolen property for victims.

03/24/2026

🚨Traffic stop leads to major narcotics seizure 🚨

On March 23, 2026, a Central Division K-9 officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop in Merced County. During the contact, indicators of criminal activity were observed, and consent to search the vehicle was granted. The officer deployed his K-9 partner Shei, who conducted an exterior sniff and alerted to the presence of narcotics.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately 61 pounds of suspected co***ne, five pounds of suspected fentanyl, and a loaded handgun. The driver was taken into custody and later booked into the Merced County Jail on multiple narcotics and weapons-related charges. The investigation was turned over to a regional narcotics task force.

The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is over $3.5 million.

Great work by our officers and K-9 teams working every day to keep dangerous drugs off our streets and protect our communities.

03/20/2026

🚨 Chop Shop Operation Shut Down in Kern County 🚨

On March 19, 2026, Kern County Auto Theft Task Force (KernCATT) personnel responded to a rural area northeast of Oildale Ca., after a victim tracked their stolen vehicle to a suspicious property.

As officers arrived, a suspect fled the compound, but a quick response and coordinated perimeter with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office led to the suspect being safely taken into custody without incident.

A search warrant was obtained, and investigators uncovered a large-scale chop shop operation. The property contained numerous vehicles and parts in various stages of disassembly, along with specialized tools and equipment used to dismantle them. One recently stolen truck was found in the process of being altered with a fraudulent VIN.

In total, five stolen vehicles were recovered, along with thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen tools that were identified by the original victim.

🔒Safety Reminder: protect your vehicle by parking in well-lit areas, using anti-theft devices, and considering GPS tracking systems to help recover your property if it’s stolen.

03/16/2026

🚨 Stolen Property Recovered – Parolee Arrested 🚨

On the evening of March 13, 2026, the CHP Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) Task Force was in Selma when investigators spotted a stolen U-Haul box truck driving through town.

The driver, who was later determined to be on parole, stopped at a residence where investigators safely took him into custody.

During a search of the truck’s cargo area, investigators located a 1989 Yamaha Banshee that had been stolen during a recent residential burglary in Fresno County.

The owner responded to the scene and was ecstatic to be reunited with the motorcycle he has owned for the past 37 years.

The suspect was later booked into the Fresno County Jail.

🔐 Safety Reminder: Help protect your property by locking vehicles, securing trailers and motorcycles, and reporting suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Quick reporting can make all the difference in recovering stolen property.

03/13/2026

🚨Stolen Vehicles Recovered in Modesto Investigation🚨

On March 11, 2026, investigators with the Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force (StanCATT) learned of a Nissan Sentra that had been reported stolen to on March 9th. The vehicle was equipped with LoJack, which helped investigators track it to a used car dealership in Modesto.

A search warrant was served at the business, where investigators located the stolen Nissan Sentra along with two additional stolen vehicles, including a Dodge Durango Hellcat, as well as other stolen vehicle components.

The owner and manager of the dealership were taken into custody and booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on multiple charges including vehicle theft, conspiracy, and insurance fraud.

Auto theft impacts everyone. If you see suspicious activity involving vehicles or vehicle parts, report it to your local law enforcement agency. Together we can help keep our communities safe.

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5179 N. Gates Avenue
Fresno, CA
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