Two men arrested regarding alleged chop shop in Menifee

Two Menifee men face possible felony gun charges after being arrested this week following the discovery of a stolen car in Perris and evidence of an alleged "chop shop" in the Romoland community in Menifee, authorities said.

Billy Triplett, 24, was contacted by Menifee and Perris Special Enforcement Team officers while sitting in a Honda parked near the intersection of G Street and 6th Street in Perris about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, according to a Sheriff's Department news release. Inspection of the vehicle showed that the Vehicle Identification Number had been switched and the car had been reported stolen in Menifee.

Triplett (right) was arrested and booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta for possession of a stolen vehicle and burglary tools.

On Thursday about 4 p.m., Special Enforcement Team officers from the same units served a search warrant at Triplett's residence in the 27000 block of Jefferson Avenue in the Romoland community in Menifee. Raymond Jones, 27 and a wanted felon, was observed attempting to hide in the residence. A search of the residence revealed evidence of a chop shop. Officers located 14 firearms, body armor and a large quantity of ammunition.

Jones (left) was booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center for his felony warrant. According to authorities, felony gun charges will be submitted to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office for filing against Triplett and Jones.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Officer K. Girard at the Perris Sheriff Station at 951-210-1121, or by email at PerrisStation@RiversideSheriff.org