Alleged Chop Shop Owner Arrested in Camden

A Camden man who was running a chop shop was arrested after Camden County Sheriff’s officers discovered the operation Monday while investigating the report of a car stolen from Cherry Hill, authorities said.

Alex Mercado, 43, was caught in the 700 block of North 25th Street, where he had numerous stolen cars and stolen car parts at his shop, authorities said.

Besides a 2004 Mazda RX8 that was reported stolen from Cherry Hill, authorities said Mercado also had a 2008 Well utility trailer stolen from Hammonton, a 2005 Kymc scooter stolen from Philadelphia, a 1997 Toyota Camry stolen from Berlin township and a 2002 Toyota Corolla engine stolen from Camden.

Mercado, who authorities say may have had other stolen cars and parts, was charged with five counts of receiving stolen property and was lodged in the Camden County Jail in lieu of $45,000 bail. The investigation into his chop shop is ongoing.

“This investigation yielded a significant benefit to the county and the community by shutting down this stolen property operation,” said Sheriff Charles H. Billingham in a statement. “This chop shop targeted vehicle owners throughout South Jersey and after this arrest will have an impact on the stolen vehicle market. I want to congratulate my team on a job well done.”