By Colin Atagi, The Desert Sun
A La Quinta man is suspected of running a chop shop and stealing two custom golf carts worth at least $15,000 each.
Justin Schultz, 28, was taken into custody about 7 p.m. Wednesday at his home in the 53-000 block of Avenida Rubio in La Quinta, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. He was arrested following an investigation that began last month.
A $17,000-golf cart was stolen Feb. 15 from Indian Wells Country Club and its owner found it being advertised for sale on Craigslist.
Officials with the Riverside Auto-Theft Interdiction Detail contacted the person who posted the advertisement and they learned the golf cart was sold to a high desert resident. The San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force recovered the vehicle.
Schultz was identified as a suspect in the theft and sale. Investigators searched his home and found a $15,500-golf cart that was reported stolen Feb. 21 from the La Quinta Resort & Club, according to the sheriff’s department.
Investigators also discovered golf cart parts that had been repackaged for sale.
Schultz was arrested on suspicion of operating a chop shop, vehicle theft, possessing stolen property and possessing methamphetamine.
He’s being held at the Riverside County jail in Indio in lieu of $25,000, according to jail records. He’s scheduled to appear in Riverside County Superior Court Friday.
Investigators want anyone with information to call (951) 955-2770. ❂
