San Rafael Catalytic Converter Theft Suspect Arrested In Petaluma

PETALUMA, CA — Two suspected catalytic converter thieves were caught in the act early Monday in Petaluma thanks to an observant resident, police said.

The resident called 911 at 4:47 a.m. Monday when he heard the sound of a saw and saw two men near his neighbor's car in the 500 block of Vallejo Street and thought they might be in the process of stealing a catalytic converter, police said.

The caller told Petaluma Police Department dispatchers he saw two men get into a white, older model sedan with a sunroof and drive toward Jefferson Street.

Patrol officers saw a car matching that description turn onto Payran Street from D Street, just two blocks from the reported address, police said.

Officers stopped the car which had two people inside: the driver, Guillermo Esparza Aguirre, 35, of Santa Rosa; and his passenger, Alexis DeLeon Diaz, 30, of San Rafael.

Officers saw two car jacks in the back seat, and a records check revealed Diaz was on probation for grand theft which allowed them to search the car.

In addition to the jacks, officers found a reciprocating saw, several saw blades, burglary tools including a shaved key, and multiple checks made out to a third party who was not in the car, police said.

Aguirre also had suspected methamphetamine on him, police said.

The investigation revealed the victim’s vehicle had its catalytic converter cut, but not taken, and the thieves left behind a third jack which indicated they were startled during the theft, police said.

Diaz was booked in Sonoma County jail on suspicion of possession of burglary tools, possession of stolen property, felony vandalism and felony probation violation.

Aguirre was arrested on suspicion of possession of burglary tools, possession of stolen property, felony vandalism and possession of a controlled substance.

Diaz has since been released from custody but Aguirre remained behind bars Tuesday in lieu of $10,000 bail, Sonoma County jail records showed.