2 Arrested In Catalytic Converter Theft In Seal Beach: Police

SEAL BEACH, CA — Two men were arrested in Seal Beach after they reportedly stole a catalytic converter from a parked vehicle on Wednesday, Nov. 2, the Seal Beach Police Department reported.

The suspects were identified as Robert Orduna, 43, and Juan Ochoa, 39, both of Los Angeles. They currently face charges for grand theft and conspiracy, police said.

According to a news report, Seal Beach police officers responded to a report from a witness who saw a suspicious person with a saw crawling underneath a parked vehicle. The witness reported that the suspect emerged from the vehicle moments later, entered another vehicle, and left the scene.

The suspects were later arrested after their car, a silver Lexus, was stopped in Sunset Beach near the area of Seventeenth Street and Pacific Coast Highway. After investigating, officers found that the suspects removed their own car's license plate to avoid detection and used a cutting tool to quickly remove the catalytic converter from the parked vehicle.

The victim's catalytic converter was also recovered, though it was badly damaged, police said.

“We see thefts occur even in broad daylight,” Seal Beach Detective Sergeant Chris Hendrix said. “We’re grateful for the witness who saw something suspicious and quickly notified the Police. Had it not been for her quick actions, we may not have caught these two theft suspects.”

Residents with information related to this crime are asked to contact Seal Beach Police Detective Chris Fisher at (562) 799-4100 ext. 1110 or cfisher@sealbeachca.gov.