4 Catalytic Converter Suspects Arrested: SMPD

SANTA MONICA, CA —Four suspects have been arrested on suspicion of stealing a catalytic converter, the Santa Monica Police Department reported.

On Friday at about 3 a.m., a resident of the 1500 block of Harvard Street told the police that he heard power tools and grinding, according to a department news release. He also told police he thought he saw a group steal a catalytic converter and leave in a gray Chevy Tahoe SUV.

SMPD officers located a Tahoe nearby and conducted a traffic stop. Police say they found numerous power saws, a vehicle jack, two-way radios, masks, and other miscellaneous tools. Police also recovered the catalytic converter hidden between the two cars.

The car was towed, the tools were booked as evidences, and four suspects were arrested and taken to Santa Monica Police Jail on the following charges:

• Jesus Guerrero, 33, Pacoima: Grand Theft, Conspiracy, Driving with a Suspended License
• Aleisha Schmitz, 24, Bellflower: Grand Theft, Conspiracy , Robbery, Hit and Run, False Impersonation
• Jesse Gonzales, 37, San Fernando: Grand Theft, Conspiracy, Possession of Opiates
• Samantha Loaiza, 29, San Fernando: Grand Theft, Conspiracy, and Providing False ID to Police

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise, especially in California. Converters are quick and easy to steal, and contain precious metals worth thousands of dollars. To protect your car, etch your license plate number on the converter, park in well-lit areas, and install an anti-theft device. See here to learn more.