Atlanta police bust suspected tractor-trailer chop shop

Five people were arrested Tuesday night when Atlanta police busted a suspected chop shop.

Investigators seized evidence in the 2800 block of Regina Drive NW near Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway.

"We received a tip of information that suggested that there were some stolen semi-tractors at this location," said Lt. Richard Mason of the Auto Theft Task Force.

Police found five people dismantling a tractor trailer, and two other semis were already dismantled into individual parts, he said. All three trucks were stolen from Lamar County on Monday.

"They work very quickly," Mason said.

In addition to the trucks, police believe the commercial or industrial-grade equipment found on the scene also was stolen, he said.

Police arrested Robert Cochran, 48, Robert Dean, 25, Charles Cochran, 20, Perry Cochran, 21 and Terry Cochran, also 21. All were charged with operating a chop shop and three counts of theft by receiving stolen property.

Staff writer Mike Morris contributed to this article.