WADDELL, Ariz. – Five people appeared in court early this morning following a major bust of several vehicle thefts in the Vale.

State prosecutors say the defendants stole vehicles and operated a “slash shop,” using guns and burglary tools to do so.

Five defendants facing criminal chargesincluding conspiracy and theft, appeared in court Saturday morning after he was arrested Friday.

One of the defendants, Jorge (George) Aguilar, faces a charge of owning or operating a “slash shop” where stolen cars are dismantled and then sold for parts.

The state requested a $250,000 cash-only bond.

“When law enforcement tried to arrest him, he fled in his vehicle and then on foot. He also had an assault rifle on him,” said Ashley Stetson of the Maricopa County District Attorney’s Office.

There has been a recent spate of armed vehicle robberies in the Valley, including one last month in Waddell.

A law enforcement source told FOX 10 the crime is connected to the five defendants, but Arizona DPS has yet to confirm it.

Aguilar and two other defendants pleaded with the judge for a lower bond.

“I understand that I broke the law, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to run away. I have my own house here, and like I said, I haven’t had any problems in 10 years,” Aguilar said.

Another defendant, Luis Rodriguez, pleaded for a similarly lower bond.

“I’m 19. And, yes, I live in Houston, but that doesn’t mean I’m a runaway. If anything, I could find a place to live here with a friend,” Rodriguez said.

A third defendant said she had to take care of her family.

“I’m a single mom. I have a six-year-old boy. I’m the only one who takes care of him. I have a business. I run it with my mom. It’s day-to-day. I’m out six days a week,” said Luna Vargas.

All five defendants are due back in court next week.