NY Man Charged In Connection With Catalytic Converter Theft In Mercer

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A man from Bronx, New York was charged in connection with catalytic converter thefts, Hamilton Police said.

On Tuesday, Hamilton Patrol Officers arrived in the area of Estates Blvd off Yardville-Hamilton Square Road for a possible catalytic converter theft in progress.

On arrival, officers found Omar Fernandez, 31, from Bronx, NY, crouched down near a vehicle, police said.

Due to the area having high incidents of catalytic thefts recently, officers identified themselves and approached Fernandez. He attempted to flee, but officers were able to catch up to him, and after a brief struggle, Fernandez was placed under arrest, police said.

Officers found a Sawzall in the road and a floor-jack under a vehicle near where they initially encountered Fernandez, authorities said. He was charged with theft, burglar's tools, criminal mischief, obstructing administration of law, resisting arrest, and aggravated assault.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Russell Newborn at 609-581-4128 or email at mewborn@hamiltonpdn.gov or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.

Hamilton Police said they continue to proactively investigate and deter catalytic converter thefts with the assistance of multiple other agencies, including the FBI.

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