Police Recovered Stolen Auto Parts in Paterson Raid
Authorities seized $100,000 in parts and arrested a business operator following a wide-reaching theft investigation.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Auto Parts
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Law enforcement officials recovered over $100,000 in stolen car parts during a raid at Fiero Lafayette Auto Wreckers in Paterson. The operation led to the arrest of 49-year-old Wilson Castro, who faces charges for maintaining a facility for stolen goods.
Why it matters
This recovery is part of a months-long effort to combat a surge in vehicle thefts across northern New Jersey. The crackdown targets the illicit supply chain for expensive vehicle components, including collision sensors and airbags.
The recovered inventory included 54 collision radar sensors, with replacement costs for a single airbag reaching between $1,000 and $1,500. Officials noted that individual radar sensors carry an online resale value of $100 to $150.
The players
Wilson Castro
He is the 49-year-old Paterson resident and business operator arrested during the raid on his auto salvage facility.
Passaic County Sheriff's Office
This local law enforcement agency led the multi-jurisdictional investigation and currently holds the suspect at their corrections hub.
National Insurance Crime Bureau
This non-profit organization works with law enforcement to identify and deter insurance crime and vehicle theft nationwide.
Homeland Security Investigations
This federal agency investigates criminal organizations that exploit global trade and infrastructure, including the illicit sale of auto parts.
Clifton Police
This department contributed to the investigation by identifying theft patterns through the analysis of arrest reports and burglary data.
The details
Detectives executed a search warrant at the Lafayette Street yard, seizing items including SRS modules, doors, trunks, and Honda engines. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Timeline
Statewide auto thefts totaled 16,694 in 2023.
Statewide auto thefts totaled 14,755 in 2024.
Paterson City Council renewed the junkyard license on May 20, 2025.
Clifton police charged two men in vehicle burglaries in August 2026.
Police raided the auto wrecker and made an arrest on October 13, 2026.
Roadmap
The raid at Fiero Lafayette Auto Wreckers reflects a regional effort to reverse the trend of New Jersey state auto theft reports. This enforcement action highlights a strategic shift toward targeting the downstream market for vehicle components to discourage organized theft.
Drivers may see increased vigilance in the salvage and parts market as law enforcement monitors facilities for stolen inventory. Consumers purchasing used parts should ensure they are sourced from reputable, licensed vendors to avoid facilitating illicit trade.
The takeaway
Vehicle owners can protect their property by recording serial numbers for high-value components where possible. Authorities urge the public to report suspicious activities at local salvage yards to assist in broader theft investigations.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry developments at Auto Parts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WMTR AM.
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