Petaluma Police Catch Suspect In Catalytic Converter Theft

PETALUMA, CA — A Contra Costa County man was arrested on suspicion of grand theft late Wednesday night in Petaluma when officers caught him with three stolen catalytic converters, the Petaluma Police Department said.

Officers were dispatched around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday to a report about a potential catalytic converter theft in the 200 block of Keller Street, Petaluma PD Community Engagement Liasion Jennifer Pritchard said.

Officers spoke with a witness who saw a dark-colored SUV — similar to a Honda CRV — that was double-parked next to another car about three or four houses down from where the witness lived.

The witness also heard drilling noises coming from that direction, Pritchard said.

Officers confirmed the catalytic converter was missing from a gold-colored 2006 Honda CRV parked where the suspect's vehicle was seen.

Officers contacted the owner of the gold CRV, who said they also saw the suspicious SUV SUV parked next to their car and heard loud sawing noises.

A car matching the one described by the witness was spotted by an officer on Petaluma Boulevard North. When the car pulled into a 76 gas station, the officer approached the driver, who was identified as Miguel Lopez-Reynoso, 35, of Rodeo.

"The officer observed three catalytic converters in plain sight behind the passenger's seat," Pritchard said. "During a search of the vehicle, three catalytic converters, a car jack and a reciprocating saw were found."

Lopez-Reynoso was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and was booked into the Sonoma County Jail.

The Petaluma Police Department has seen an increase in the theft of catalytic converters, which contain a small amount of precious metal.

On Jan. 12, officers responded to the 700 block of Keokuk Street when a resident heard drilling coming from his Toyota Prius. Two suspects were ultimately arrested in connection with the catalytic converter theft after they led officers on a brief pursuit and crashed the stolen car they were driving, police said.

"We advise the public to make simple prevention measures, such as parking inside a garage, or in the driveway, installing motion sensor lights or cameras and avoid parking in dark secluded areas to protect your property," Pritchard said. "Please do not hesitate to call 911 if you witness what appears to be catalytic converter theft in progress. You may also use our mainline 707-778-4372 to report information that may assist in ongoing catalytic converter theft cases. Your observations make a difference."