Police, WSP Arrest 2 After Catalytic Converter Theft, Shooting

SEATTLE — Two people were arrested Wednesday morning, who police said opened fire on a man who tried to intervene in a catalytic converter theft in Seattle's SODO district. According to the police department, the victim saw a black van pull up near his vehicle Tuesday night, and a young woman got out with a cutting tool.

As she knelt under the vehicle, the victim confronted her and the woman called for help, and a 31-year-old man appeared with a handgun. Police said the victim pepper sprayed and punched the man, who fired shots at the victim as he fled the area.

Officers located the van driving nearby and attempted to pull the vehicle over, but police said the driver refused to stop and drove erratically onto Interstate 5.

Washington State Patrol joined the pursuit and ultimately used spike strips to disable to the van. Police said the van was previously reported stolen, and a search of the vehicle uncovered a handgun, ammo, dozens of pills, and 29 grams of methamphetamine. Both suspects were booked into the King County Jail.