BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Two Bakersfield men were arrested last week after several suspected stolen vehicles were found at a suspected active auto repair shop in south Bakersfield, the California Highway Patrol said.
On August 22, a KernCATT auto theft investigation resulted in the arrest of two suspects – Edward Daniel Penn IV, 31, and William Denison, 49, both of Bakersfield. They were caught allegedly operating a “junk shop” in the 400 block of Taft Highway, near Panama Road.
When investigators spoke to Denison and Penn IV at their home, more than a dozen trucks, cars and motorcycles were seen in their yard in “various states of repair or disassembly,” CHP said.
Several suspected stolen parts were found, such as engines, transmissions and air filter housings, which had either been removed, placed on the ground or installed in other vehicles. Several motorcycle frames had been cut into pieces.
In addition, several doors were removed and scattered, with identification plates intentionally removed to avoid detection, CHP said. Tools and equipment such as hoists and vehicle lifts, as well as cutting and power tools, were also found.
Six suspected stolen vehicles and the following suspected stolen parts were seized: a stolen gearbox and another component.
Penn IV and Denisin were arrested for operating an auto repair shop, multiple counts of alleged possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of stolen property (with prior convictions), and other charges of possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and violation of probation. Both suspects were booked into the Kern County Jail.
The KernCATT is comprised of detectives from the CHP, the Bakersfield Police Department and the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
