Catalytic Converter Theft Investigation Leads To Arrest

FREMONT, CA — Following an eight-week investigation into a "prolific" catalytic converter theft group, the Fremont Police Department on Wednesday announced an arrest and the recovery of multiple firearms.

Over the course of several months, the group committed multiple catalytic converter thefts in Alameda and Santa Clara counties, according to Fremont police. On at least two occasions, the group brandished a firearm toward victims.

The group had used a stolen vehicle, which the police tracked to one of the suspect's homes, and on June 22 detectives detained two people and found two stolen catalytic converters in their possession.

After searching the residence, the police recovered high-capacity magazines, ammunition, unserialized firearms — guns that are untraceable and obtained without background checks — and a fully automatic firearm.

A 23-year-old resident of Hayward, Nestor Lealsumale, was charged with three felony counts and one misdemeanor count, including grand theft, possession of a machine gun and possession of a large-capacity magazine.

The investigation remains ongoing as police attempt to identify additional suspects.

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