15 Catalytic Converters Recovered, Suspect Arrested in Claremont

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

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CLAREMONT - Police saw right through a theft suspect’s flimsy lie after he tried to sneak away from them After catching their attention in a darkened Claremont neighborhood Wednesday morning.

The suspect, a 24-year-old La Verne man, is accused of stealing 15 catalytic converters. The devices, along with multiple reciprocating saws, bags of power tools and a floor creeper were all confiscated in the 400 block of Georgia Court, March 31, according to the Claremont Police Department.

The suspect reportedly tried to hide from officers who saw him suspiciously driving slowly westbound on Vista Avenue at Indian Hill Boulevard around 4:42 a.m. The suspect parked onto a driveway at a home in the 400 block of Georgia Court, but he was found.

“The officer contacted the subject as he was exiting his vehicle and walking to a front door of a home. The subject claimed he was there to visit his girlfriend. The homeowner was contacted and stated they had never seen the subject before,” according to the Claremont Police Department.

The stolen catalytic converters, which sported fresh saw cuts, and all the tools were located during a vehicle search.

The unidentified suspect was arrested and booked on suspicion of possessing stolen property. He was issued a citation and later released.

Officers are still attempting to locate victims of the thefts. Claremont officers are encouraging residents to check their vehicles how to call police if their catalytic converter is missing.