Shots Fired At Interrupted Manchester Catalytic Converter Theft

MANCHESTER, CT — Shots were fired as a man tried to break up a catalytic converter theft on his neighbor's car early Thursday morning in Manchester, police said.

Police were alerted to the incident on Hamlin Street at approximately 3:34 a.m.

According to an incident report, an area resident, hearing what he believed to be a power saw outside, looked out a window and noticed a dark gray vehicle — unknown to him — backed into his driveway.

There men were standing near his neighbor’s vehicle, and the resident went outside to confront them, according t0 a report.

An additional man was seen lying on the ground with a saw typically used to cut out catalytic converters, police said.

After the resident confronted the group, one of the men drew a handgun and pointed it at the resident, according to a report.

A second man also displayed a firearm, and the resident quickly retreated to his home, according to a report.

After closing the door, the man heard multiple gunshots and the gray vehicle fled the area at a high rate of speed, according to a report.

Shell casings were found in the driveway but no one was hurt, police said.

The thieves were able to steal the catalytic converter and the driver’s side window of the neighbor's vehicle was also smashed, police said.

Windows on vehicles in the area of Pearl Street and Holl Street were also smashed, police said.

Anyone with information on this incidents can contact the Manchester Police Department's main line at 860-645-5500 or the Investigative Services Unit at 860-645-5575.

"We want to encourage members of the community to call 9-1-1 and report crimes in progress rather than attempt to confront individuals observed," police said in an accompanying statement. "When calling, provide as much information as possible on the criminal activity and description of suspects as this will assist in our agency's response to a crime in progress."