Three suspects arrested for catalytic converter theft in Palmdale

Palmdale, Calif. - In the early morning hours of April 27, 2022, a Palmdale resident interrupted a would be catalytic converter theft in progress. When the resident approached the suspects they fired a shot in the air from a high powered air soft gun. The resident believed this was an actual gun and immediately called 911.

Palmdale Deputies located two suspect vehicles involved in the theft and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Utilizing stop sticks, the pursuit ended and three suspects were arrested and charged with several felonies. Both vehicles were impounded. AV catalytic converter detectives wrote a search warrant for both vehicles and recovered 7 catalytic converters, tools used to cut catalytic converters, replica air soft firearm, steel bb pellets, CO2 cartridges for the air soft gun, as well as ski masks and hoodies.

We encourage our residents to stay vigilant, especially in the early morning hours and report suspicious activity immediately by calling 911.

The suspects arrested are being investigated in numerous catalytic converter thefts and assaults across the southland as far as San Diego. If you were the victim of a catalytic converter theft yesterday in Lancaster or Palmdale, please contact Detective Gelardo at Lancaster Station (661-948-8466) or Detective Jacob at Palmdale Station (661-272-2400).

Credit : LASD