Catalytic Converter Thieves Arrested After Pursuit from Irwindale to West Covina

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

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IRWINDALE - Three amigos from Los Angeles accused of stealing a catalytic converter were arrested April 11 and caught with the goods, police said.

The trio are accused of cutting the pricey device from a vehicle parked at a business in the 15700 block of Arrow Highway at 10:50 p.m. The victim was able to describe the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee to officers, who located and stopped the driver, according to the Irwindale Police Department.

“Our officers located a Jeep matching the description provided by the victim in the area of Irwindale Avenue and 4th Street and initiated a traffic stop. After pulling to the curb, the Jeep suddenly fled as the officers approached the vehicle,” according to the Irwindale Police Department in a written statement.

A pursuit led officers south from Irwindale Avenue and into West Covina where the Jeep Grand Cherokee collided with three other vehicles at Sunset Avenue and West Covina Parkway, Irwindale Police said.

Two suspects were detained at the crash scene and a third fled to the West Covina Civic Center where West Covina officers detained him.

“Officers located the victim’s catalytic converter inside the Jeep, along with various hand tools, power saws, saw blades and a rolling car jack,” Irwindale Police said.

Arrested were Alfredo Paredes Ramirez, 35; Herbert Tecero, 38; and Lejoi Louise Mims, 38. The suspects face charges, including grand theft, possession of burglary tools and possession of stolen property. Driver Alfredo Ramirez was additionally charged with felony evading and traffic related violations.

“Due to COVID-19 booking restrictions, all three suspects were later released with citations to appear in court on a future date,” Irwindale Police said in a written statement.