Full Notification

Polk County Sheriff’s Office along with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicle License and Theft Bureau broke up a chop shop ring in Green Creek. Investigators received information that a vehicle was being cut up to be sold for scrap. Once arrived at the location seeing a vehicle with no doors and missing it roof and based on further information provided, a search warrant was obtained. NCDMV License and Theft agents were contacted and assisted with the investigation.

After conducting a search of the premises it was determined that there was one vehicle stolen from Chesnee, SC and another vehicle that was in the process of being cut-up. In addition a stolen firearm was found in the residence along with marijuana and paraphernalia.

Tyler Lee Cates, 23 of 710 Johnson Road Rutherfordton, NC 28139 was been arrested for Permit Place Used Chop Shop, Altering Vehicle Identification Numbers, Possess Stolen Motor Vehicle which are all felonies. Cates was also charged with Felony Possession w/Intent to Sale/Deliver Marijuana, Felony Maintain Vehicle/Dwelling/Place Controlled Substance, and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Cates is currently out on a $21,000.00 secure bond and has his next court appearance July 9. Additional arrests are forthcoming.