RIDGECREST, Calif. — Multiple suspects were arrested after stealing the catalytic converter from a car that belonged to the mayor of a California city.
Ridgecrest Mayor Eric Bruen said the catalytic converter was stolen in the middle of the day from his Honda Element after he parked it in a credit union parking lot and went inside, KGET reported.
Surveillance video showed the suspects in a silver Chevy Equinox.
Ridgecrest and Barstow police located the suspect vehicle later that day and arrested multiple people after finding numerous catalytic converters in their possession.
Catalytic converters are an anti-pollution device that are sought after by thieves for the precious metals inside them, which are removed and sold for scrap, according to NPR.
“Suspects have been arrested (with more than one converter) and our community has been once again protected by the efforts of the men and women in blue,” Bruen said Saturday on social media. “The message to all should be: Go somewhere else. We don’t rollover on crime in this community. Don’t mess with Ridgecrest!”
An incredible THANK YOU to the officers of Ridgecrest Police Department and Barstow Police Department for pursuing,...
Posted by Eric Bruen - Mayor - City of Ridgecrest on Friday, May 28, 2021
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