A man and woman were arrested Tuesday for allegedly stealing a catalytic converter in Burbank.
The Burbank Police Department responded to the 1400 block of North Naomi Street on June 27 at about 3:25 a.m. regarding a report of a catalytic converter theft in progress.
When officers arrived, they spoke with the victim, who said he was inside his home when he heard what he believed to be the sound of grinding metal. The victim opened his front door and saw a man standing next to the hood of his Toyota Sequoia, as well as a second person underneath his vehicle, which led him to believe the suspects were in the process of stealing his catalytic converter.
Soon after, the two suspects fled in a vehicle. When the victim looked under his vehicle, he confirmed that his catalytic converter was missing.
Officers searched the surrounding area and apprehended the two suspects driving in a vehicle that matched the victim’s description. BPD said the suspects were found traveling toward the freeway.
During a search of the suspects’ vehicle, officers discovered a reciprocating saw, a cut catalytic converter and other evidence that indicated the two were involved in allegedly stealing catalytic converters.
The suspects have been identified as 18-year-old and 27-year-old residents of Los Angeles. The pair were arrested and booked for grand theft and a felony. Each suspect is also being held in lieu of a $20,000 bond. They were scheduled to appear in court on June 29.
Formal charges are pending review by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.
First published in the July 1 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
