Police bust suspected chop shop in North Spokane

A Spokane police officer who helped search a suspected chop shop in North Spokane this week wrote in court documents that he was shocked at the “plethora” of stolen vehicles, motorcycles and trailers at the home.

Last month officers learned that there was at least one stolen vehicle at the home at 5903 N. Driscoll Blvd. They returned with a search warrant on Monday and found multiple stolen vehicles and motorcycles, all in the process of being parted out and/or altered, according to court documents.

A garage that housed multiple stolen motorcycles that were being worked on had a “glory wall” of stolen license plates hung inside. Investigators also found a shotgun, drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine inside the home, court documents state.

Kenneth J. Westman, 39, was initially arrested on one charge of taking a motor vehicle without permission. On Wednesday new charges were added, including leading organized crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm and multiple charges of taking a motor vehicle without permission and possession of stolen property. He is being held on $61,000 bond.

Two other residents of the home, Shannon B. Blake, 39, and Jason M. Deford, 35, were arrested on a single charge of taking a motor vehicle without permission and have since been released from jail. Additional charges are expected to be filed against both of them, according to court documents.