Catalytic Converter Thieves Caught In The Act: YPD

YONKERS, NY — Yonkers police struck a blow against the epidemic of catalytic converter thefts in the region with the arrest of four suspects caught in the act, according to investigators.

Tuesday night, plain clothes officers were surveilling an area near Delano Avenue and Agawam when the special units caught an apparent catalytic converter theft in progress.

As officers approached, the suspects sped off with police in pursuit, police said. The suspects' vehicle attempted to evade officers on the New York State Thruway, but a blown tire forced them back onto Central Park Avenue, according to authorities. At Tuckahoe Road, they reportedly struck a marked police car before finally coming to a stop near Underhill Street and Standish Avenue. The driver then attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by officers, officials said.

Three catalytic converters and a battery-operated metal saw were discovered in a search of the car, police said. The four suspects were placed under arrest and face charges, including felony grand larceny, felony auto stripping, obstruction, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.

Two of the suspects were residents of Pennsylvania and one was a resident of the Bronx.

Arrested were 25-year-old driver Junior Ventura Siverio, 18-year-old Edwin Fortunato-Tapia, 19-year-old Luis Estevez-Peralta and 25 year-old Andy Rosario. (Yonkers Police Department)