A classic Porsche reported stolen four years ago has been recovered following an extensive investigation that also uncovered drugs, weapons, and additional stolen property, the San Francisco Police Department announced Friday.
How the Investigation Began
The case originated in May, when Richmond Station officers received reports of a stolen trailer containing roughly $70,000 worth of construction equipment. By June, police had located the trailer on 32nd Avenue near George Washington High School and arrested 61-year-old San Francisco resident John Choy on suspicion of possessing stolen property.
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Investigation Widens
Following that arrest, detectives from the department’s burglary and auto theft unit began examining vehicles registered to or associated with Choy. Investigators reported finding several irregularities, including mismatched vehicle identification numbers and links to additional stolen vehicles.
A Significant Discovery
On September 18, officers found a partially dismantled 1989 Yamaha FZR400 motorcycle parked in front of Choy’s residence. A search warrant executed days later uncovered a substantial cache of weapons and narcotics, including six handguns, five rifles, silencers, ammunition, and more than a pound of methamphetamine.
The Recovered Porsche
Among the most notable items recovered was a 1979 Porsche 911 SC that had been reported stolen in 2021. Police say the vehicle’s identification number had been altered, and its engine was traced back to a separate 1978 Porsche 911 Targa that had also been stolen in San Francisco.
Charges Filed
Choy faces multiple felony charges, including possession of stolen vehicles, illegal possession of firearms and silencers, and narcotics possession with intent to sell. Authorities say the case illustrates how stolen vehicle investigations can sometimes uncover much larger criminal operations involving weapons and drugs.
Return of the Vehicle Pending
Police have not yet released a timeline for when the recovered Porsche will be returned to its rightful owner.