3 From RI Steal Catalytic Converters In MA: Police

COVENTRY, RI — Three people from Rhode Island were arrested Monday in Westborough, Massachusetts, after stealing catalytic converters, according to police.

Police said they arrested Almin Camarena 19, Erick Hernandez, 18, both of Providence, and Lucia Fernandez, 21, of Coventry. All three were charged with destruction of property over $1,200, larceny over $1,200, possession of burglarious instrument and three counts of receiving stolen property $1,200. Camarena was also charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police and unregistered motor vehicle.

Around 2 a.m., Westborough police and Northborough police were called to the intersection of Turnpike Road and Lyman Street for a report of suspicious activity in the parking lot. Witnesses told police they saw people in a dark-colored sedan parked nearby and trying to steal a van's catalytic converter.

Police said when officers arrive, the dark-colored sedan, driven by Camarena, sped out of the parking lot and proceeded onto Otis Street. The suspects led police on a chase, until they crashed at the intersection of Routes 9 and 135, police said, where the three were taken into custody.

Police said they seized several catalytic converters and tools used to remove them.