The Antelope Valley Times

Your community. Your issues. Your news.

  • Home
  • Latest News
  • Local
    • Palmdale
    • Lancaster
    • Los Angeles County
    • Littlerock
    • Lake Los Angeles
    • Rosamond
    • Edwards AFB
    • Acton
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Advertise
    • About
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Show Search

TOPCAT deputies recover 9 stolen catalytic converters, suspect arrested

by The AV Times Staff • May 5, 2022

[Image via LASD]
LANCASTER – The sheriff’s department’s Target Oriented Policing of Catalytic Converters and Auto Theft (TOPCAT) team recently intercepted a commercial flatbed truck in Lancaster and recovered nine stolen catalytic converters and more than $10,000 in cash, authorities announced.

The arrest happened April 28 on the 700 block of West Avenue H, according to a news release from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.

“A commercial enforcement trained deputy conducted a traffic stop… for a commercial vehicle code violation. During the course of the investigation, deputies from the Catalytic Converter Theft Task Force determined the suspect was in possession of nine cut catalytic converters of various makes and models. The suspect was arrested for receiving stolen property and transported to Lancaster Sheriff’s Station, where he was released with a citation. Deputies recovered nine catalytic converters, and over 10,000 dollars in cash,” the news release states.

Authorities did not name the suspect, but said he was a Hispanic male in his 30s who was suspected of collecting stolen catalytic converters from several locations in the area of Lancaster.

Residents who believe they were victims of catalytic converter theft in Lancaster or Palmdale are encouraged to contact Detective Gelardo at Lancaster Station at 661-948-8466 or Detective Jacob at Palmdale Station at 661-272-2400.

–

Filed Under: Crime/ Safety, Home, Lancaster, Palmdale

2 comments for "TOPCAT deputies recover 9 stolen catalytic converters, suspect arrested"

  1. RAM says

    May 7, 2022 at 6:28 pm

    So they recovered them now what will happen to them?

  2. Eric says

    May 5, 2022 at 10:00 pm

    Lol, the Sherrifs say they are defunded and under staffed, but can have a specialized task force for this, we need boots in the community. If you want to stop catalytic thefts go to the recycling places that’s where you’ll find them being sold

Recent Comments

  • Efrem Zimbalist Jr. on Palmdale authorities apprehend graffiti vandals, including armed suspect: “Michelle, have you spoken to the FBI about Rex?” Aug 27, 11:23
  • Frances on Judge orders arbitration of Allied Security guard’s sexual harassment lawsuit: “Does anyone know any more about this case? This is about someone I know and I believe full heartedly that…” Aug 26, 19:42
  • Lily on Palmdale authorities apprehend graffiti vandals, including armed suspect: “@Michelle Egberts… Hi Michelle, remember Jim? Madalyn and Jim were friends of mine.” Aug 23, 06:47
  • Michelle Egberts on Palmdale authorities apprehend graffiti vandals, including armed suspect: “@ Tim Scott… I couldn’t have said it more eloquently Tim!!! We have to get together and catch up over…” Aug 21, 00:58
  • Mars on Palmdale authorities apprehend graffiti vandals, including armed suspect: “Give Them Cleaning Supplies Clean Up The Graffiti For 3 months Also Have Them Do Community Service As Well Then…” Aug 15, 02:54

Copyright © 2025 · The AV Times LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of Use

Dear Readers,

After more than a decade of serving the Antelope Valley, we have made the difficult decision to close The Antelope Valley Times. The site will no longer be updated, but all past articles will remain accessible. Thank you for your loyalty and support over the years.

—The AV Times Staff