Fresno Police have shut down a chop shop believed to be a hiding spot for cars, which thieves were stealing from Community Regional Medical Center.
Information gathered on the streets helped investigators key in on a home just south of Fresno's Tower District.
It’s located on East Belmont at the cross of Roosevelt Avenue. It's just a couple of miles away from the hospital.
Fresno Police moved in Tuesday afternoon to perform a search at the home and it revealed exactly what they had suspected, a chop shop.
"We found registrations, we found vehicle parts. We actually saw a vehicle in the process of being stripped with tires being taken off," said Sgt. Tim Tietjen of the Fresno Police Dept.
Sergeant Tim Tietjen said there was evidence tied to five stolen vehicles what they all had in common is that they were reportedly taken from Community Regional Medical Center during the last few weeks. They were in parked in garages as well in lots like the one outside the emergency room.
"These crews of individuals are going to work close to home," said Sgt. Tietjen.
Sergeant Tietjen said both employees and visitors to the hospital were victimized. Circumstances which made it easy for officers to want to seek justice.
"Maybe you had a tragedy with your family and you come out and your car is gone. This adds insult to injury."
A hospital contract worker we spoke with couldn't believe crooks would be so brazen.
“I would assume it's a pretty secure place to park right in front of a hospital,” said Ruben Davila, a contract worker.
Ruben Davila carries around expensive tools and computers in his company vehicle and would be devastated if he were to be ripped off.
"I'm glad that they got the guys that did this and hopefully they prevent this kind of thing from happening again," said Davila.
Police arrested 23-year old Joshua Jacobs. The hospital itself played a big role in capturing him.
"Community Regional's security department was able to provide Fresno Police with video footage and still photos to be used in court to prosecute the suspect," said Kevin Weaver, director of safety & security services at CRMC.
“This is a big break for us. We're able to find this chop shop and shut it down immediately before our numbers could go up,” said Sgt. Tietjen.
Police are not done with this investigation. They have some strong leads which they expect will allow them to make one or two more arrests.