Catalytic Converter Theft Suspect Charged, Another Wanted: Moorestown Police

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Officers arrested a man from the Bronx after a short foot chase on Thursday in connection with several catalytic converter thefts in Moorestown, a news release says.

A resident called police at 4:16 a.m. to report two people were taking catalytic converters in the 200 block of Linden Street. The suspects had a Sawmill tool and were driving a dark-colored vehicle with a loud muffler, police said.

Officers arrived and saw a suspect, who ran away. Police chased him and arrested him in the 300 block of North Stanwick Road. Moorestown Police charged 20-year-old John R. Villar Villa with theft by unlawful taking, conspiracy, and obstructing administration of the law.

The suspect vehicle is a gray BMW with black wheels, tinted windows, and a loud exhaust. Police said the car was last seen speeding southbound on Stanwick Road.

The driver of the BMW is involved in another catalytic converter theft after Villar Villa's arrest at 6:48 a.m. on West Central Avenue, police said. Residents also reported catalytic converters stolen on East Linden Street, West Central Avenue, and Locust Street, according to police.

Moorestown police ask anyone with more information on these incidents to call the Criminal Investigations Bureau at 856-914-3092 or email detectives@moorestownpd.com.