A major auto theft operation was dismantled by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, leading to the arrest of a 43-year-old man accused of operating an illegal chop shop. Authorities recovered stolen vehicle components worth over $300,000 during the operation, the Sheriff’s Office announced.
The suspect, Christopher Knippers, was arrested for first-degree felony theft of property. The investigation, spearheaded by the Gulf Coast Auto Crimes Task Force, began in May 2024 when officers received tips about illegal activity at Knippers’ property, which operated under the name South East Diesel and Performance.
A search warrant executed at the site uncovered stolen vehicles and components valued at $320,868.58. Investigators also identified multiple vehicles with tampered or fictitious Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), many of which were reported stolen from other states.
Knippers was indicted by the Brazoria County Grand Jury and remains in custody at the Brazoria County Jail with a $75,000 bond.
The Gulf Coast Auto Crimes Task Force, a state-funded initiative combating auto theft in Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda counties, credited an anonymous tip from a concerned citizen for the breakthrough in this case.
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office expressed its gratitude to several law enforcement agencies, including the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, Galveston Police Department, La Marque Police Department, and League City Police Department, for their assistance in the operation.
This case highlights the vital role of public vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement in dismantling organized crime networks.