MERCED – On December 15, 2021, the Merced Police Department, along with California DMV investigators and a hazardous materials specialist from the Merced County Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health, conducted an inspection at Fat Cat Recycling in Merced.

Carl Means, 40, of Merced is the owner of Fat Cat Recycling. Means was arrested for 17 California Vehicle Code violations for the alleged possession of numerous crushed or dismantled vehicles, which he did not have proper documentation for. Means was also cited for 27 hazardous materials and waste violations stemming from spilled hazardous fluids, improper storage of hazardous materials and public nuisance issues.

“Owners of recycling businesses have a responsibility to follow the law, both for our health and safety and the health and safety of our environment,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “Thank you to the agencies and investigators involved in this inspection and investigation.”