The alleged operator of a Temecula "Chop Shop" was ferreted out and bitten by a police dog as he cowered in an attic hidey-hole, authorities said.
The incident occurred Wednesday, when a Riverside County sheriff's deputy sent to investigate an auto theft spotted evidence of a vehicle dismantling and cannibalizing operation at 45743 Jaguar Way, according to a report in the Press-Enterprise.
The deputy had information that a suspect identified as Jennifer Trujillo might have been involved in the theft, the PE reported.
At the home there were also indications of a drug-selling operation, the newspaper reported.
Trujillo, 29, was taken into custody, as was Donald Lee Smith, 43, of Wildomar, according to the report.
A third suspect, Luis Antonio Trujillo, was missing from the house but the deputy -- who got a tip -- sent the dog into the attic, where the pooch pounced and took a taste of the man, the news report states.
Investigators determined that Luis Trujillo had built a hiding spot in the attic -- there was a lawn chair and drinks -- to avoid detection, the PE reported.
Investigators found parts from about four stolen and dismantled vehicles, according to the newspaper.
Luis Trujillo was booked into the county jail on suspicion of operating a chop shop, resisting arrest, possession of drugs for sale and receiving known stolen property, according to sheriff's jail records.
He was being held on a no-bail, out-of-county warrant, pending an appearance in court Friday, jail records state.
Jennifer Lynn Trujillo was booked into the Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of operating a chop shop and receiving known stolen property.
She was released Thursday on bond for $25,000 bail and was ordered to appear in court Sept. 26.
Smith was booked into jail on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs, the sales, transfer or distribution of less than one ounce of drugs, parole violation and possession of a controlled substance.
He remained jailed on no bail Thursday, pending a court appearance Friday, jail records show.
