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

Man killed trying to steal catalytic converter in Palmdale

by City News Service • February 15, 2023 62 Comments

 

The incident happened in the parking lot of Palmdale shopping center on the 39400 block of 10th Street West. [Image by BRYAN HALL]
PALMDALE – A man suspected of attempting to steal a catalytic converter from an SUV in the parking lot of a Palmdale shopping center was killed when he was run over by the vehicle, authorities said.

The incident was reported around 5:56 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, in a parking lot on the 39400 block of 10th Street West, according to Lt. Hugo Reynaga.

Deputies from the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station responded to the location regarding multiple calls about a grand theft of a car, and upon their arrival, deputies found the suspect lying in a parking space suffering from blunt trauma wounds, Reynaga said.

During their investigation, deputies learned the victim, who was asleep in the Ford Excursion, heard a sawing noise underneath her vehicle, started the SUV, and put it in reverse before realizing that she had run over the suspect, Reynaga said.

“She heard a thump and then stopped when she realized she had run over something,” Reynaga said

The suspect was taken to a hospital by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics, where he was pronounced dead. His name has not yet been released pending next of kin notification.

Deputies later located three additional suspects, two women and a man, inside a department store near the scene. They were taken into custody and detained at the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, Reynaga said.

Reyna said it was unknown if the suspect was run over accidentally.

“It’s too early to tell. It seems like the victim was trying to pull her vehicle out of the way from someone who was trying to steal the undercarriage of her vehicle,” Reynaga said.

–

Filed Under: Crime/ Safety, Home, Palmdale

62 comments for "Man killed trying to steal catalytic converter in Palmdale"

  1. ActonRanger says

    February 27, 2023 at 7:32 pm

    The money made by a 42 year-old thief is not being used to pay rent and food bills. In many cases the money is being used to buy stolen items like Rims, Wings, Tinting, and suspension for the $1500 car they drive with $8000 worth of accessories bought on the black market. Risky business to be involved in just to drive an annoyingly loud lowered 2004 350Z with a giant wing.
    Or maybe they were on the way home from Magic Mountain and wanted to recoup their expenses.
    The ladies in the getaway vehicle should feel guilty for allowing this to happen.

    Reply
  2. Yeled HaMidbari says

    February 19, 2023 at 2:25 pm

    I would like to feel sorry for this guy, but I can’t. There’s too much of that going on in this Valley. FYI, for some odd reason, the people getting caught and committing these specific crimes involving catalytic converters are all from El Salvador. I have my sources.

    Reply
    • Kaitlynn says

      February 23, 2023 at 7:15 am

      You are one racist, any race can commit these crimes and for what to put food on the table for the people that encourage him to do these things? He got his punishment, he doesn’t need the world saying they don’t feel bad for him , he lost his life , not something that can be replaced for a few hundred dollars . . Do you not understand that some criminals are actually good people that get trapped by people who force them to do these things or they might have to suffer or someone in they’re family has to suffer because a price is a price . This wasn’t a price that was taken this was a life that you can’t get back people , it’s different. He wasn’t hurt . He was killed
      .

      Reply
  3. Ledesma 99 says

    February 17, 2023 at 6:01 pm

    If your converter is stolen, DRIVE YOUR CAR ANYWAY! For as long as needed and fix it when you can. And this unfortunate happenstance will give you a real chance to see for yourself if police are truly the dedicated public servants we’ve always heard they were. Or are they really just a bunch of PIGS!

    Reply
    • Tim Scott says

      February 18, 2023 at 7:11 pm

      Since the catalytic converter is before the muffler this would effectively be running straight pipe exhaust which would sound like a day at the track.

      There are ways around this problem, at least until your next smog check comes due, but it is not as easy as ‘just drive it.’

      Reply
  4. Ford says

    February 16, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    Name released, no city given…. “A smaller vehicle had parked right next to hers contained three other suspects described as two Hispanic women and one Hispanic male sitting inside while the fourth — later identified as 42-year-old Alfredo Ramos — was beneath her car, allegedly attempting to steal the converter.”

    Reply
  5. Rcf says

    February 16, 2023 at 12:27 pm

    Well said -to Luther

    Reply
  6. Rcf says

    February 16, 2023 at 12:22 pm

    After reading this thread, I’m coming to realize that we are casting natural law pearls of wisdom before swine. And one in particular who thinks criminal theft is supportable . “It” just is what it is. . It goes and comes back around to you. . a real thick skull will fool only themselves in this way. “Deserves” has very little to do with it. You enjoy blaming everyone else I think.

    Reply
  7. Yes, he cometh. says

    February 16, 2023 at 12:09 pm

    When the cops searched his house, they found a bathtub full of ice cubes and a couple swimming pool shaped catalytic converters.

    Reply
  8. ACE says

    February 16, 2023 at 11:07 am

    OUR COPS SHOULD SET UP MOUSE TRAP CARS WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTERS DISPLAYED…

    JACK UP THE THE TRAPPER CAR SO IT LOOKS EASY TO RIP OFF…

    WAIT UNTIL THE SAW STARTS AND BINGO…

    DOWN COMES THE CAR WITH THE WHEELS LOOSENED AND DEFLATED SO THEY FALL FLAT…

    AND THE HEAVY CAR COMES DOWN TO SQUISH THE CROOK LIKE A VILE BUG…

    ***

    LIKE THE BAIT CARS THAT LOCK THE CAR THIEF INSIDE UNTIL THE COPS COME…

    BUT WITH A TWIST…

    ***

    THEN RE-SET THE TRAP…

    ***

    Reply
    • Heart broken says

      February 20, 2023 at 5:13 pm

      Thats exactly what this was!! This was a TRAP car… now who set it up is unknown could have been the cops, could have been an upset past victim, but either way this was a TRAP!! Since the police are unable to obtain the individual and keep him in custody why not just get rid of him, let’s set a trap and get them when they come. It could be anything either way This was no accident. This was pland out…. all the people happy for his death can you get off your electronics and help out his family? His kids are suffering and they see the heartless shit thats being put out there. Since him being dead is pleasing to you, please be the role models his kids need. He was a good guy with a lost soul… my he rest in peace.

      Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    February 16, 2023 at 10:34 am

    I am in the automotive industry and cat theft is HUGE! We sell so many of them it’s crazy. The wait line and time to get one is long as the manufacturers can’t keep up with the demand. Imagine making car payments for a car you cant drive. So, one less person that is doing these thefts is great. INSTANT KARMA. Sorry, not sorry. :)

    Reply
  10. PattyLu says

    February 16, 2023 at 9:07 am

    Glad to see that at least one of these criminals got what he deserved! (If you think this was his very first criminal act, I have a lovely bridge to sell you!)

    Reply
    • Tim Scott says

      February 16, 2023 at 9:24 am

      Soooo…this bridge you have to sell; it is a safe bet you don’t own it, so that is a fraudulent offer. By your own reasoning that means you deserve to die.

      Reply
      • Rcf says

        February 16, 2023 at 12:01 pm

        You don’t know that – you’re making a blind assumption. We have a nice bridge over our pond and many do.

        Reply
      • Shelly says

        February 16, 2023 at 3:23 pm

        Tim thank you for that!!! We all had a good laugh.

        Reply
        • Tim Scott says

          February 16, 2023 at 4:54 pm

          I do my best. :)

          Reply
          • Sonya says

            February 16, 2023 at 8:00 pm

            Which is lackluster as always.

    • Rick says

      February 16, 2023 at 5:30 pm

      What is the scrap value of that bridge? Will anyone notice if I take it down at night?

      Reply
  11. Ivan Hannel says

    February 16, 2023 at 8:58 am

    Glad he’s gone. There is way too much empathy for these criminals. These “minor” property theft crimes also lead to the deaths of their victims, not just the stupid thieves. That woman in Oakland whose purse was being stolen got dragged to her death by the thieves. However, I’m sure some of the progressives in this thread won’t be decrying that, instead they focus on the hoodlums and their “mild” behavior. We’ll see a reaction to all this soon enough.

    Reply
    • Tim Scott says

      February 16, 2023 at 9:29 am

      Another fear vampire. What is it about pointless fears that gets you off? Yeah, a California resident, one in 38 million, had a bad outcome. Do you think that justifies 38 million people cowering in their homes to avoid “being dragged to death”? How would that benefit you?

      I have zero respect for the home alarm sellers that exaggerate endlessly about how without their alarm your house will be emptied of possessions every time you go out, but at least I can see what they are getting out of it. You, not so much.

      Reply
  12. Ford says

    February 16, 2023 at 8:47 am

    Is the truck OK at least? I’m hoping it is along with the converter.

    Reply
    • Thoughts and Prayers says

      February 16, 2023 at 10:39 am

      The truck and converter family deserves all our compassion.
      After all, it is so much more valuable than people. Just look how much people spend on them, rather than their fellow man.

      Reply
  13. Cynic says

    February 16, 2023 at 7:37 am

    That’s crushing news.

    Reply
  14. Crushed says

    February 15, 2023 at 11:33 pm

    That was Jose’s last catalytic converter job.

    Reply
  15. Jessica says

    February 15, 2023 at 11:32 pm

    Catalytic converter theft is a huge thing. Google it.

    Reply
    • Tim Scott says

      February 16, 2023 at 7:24 am

      There are half a million cars in the AV, approximately. Approximately half a million of them did not have their catalytic converter stolen last night. Approximately half a million of them never will.

      Does it happen? Sure.

      People also get struck by lightning. Do you fret about that?

      Reply
      • Mike says

        February 16, 2023 at 7:41 am

        California has recently drafted and/or enacted four (4) pieces legislation aimed specifically at thwarting the theft of catalytic converters because it is a literal epidemic crime which you deny.
        AB1653
        SB1087
        AB1740
        SB986 (pending)
        Once again Tim Scott is caught lying through his teeth to everyone with his “nothing to see here” approach on crime. But what else could be expected from a convicted felon right?

        Reply
        • Tim Scott says

          February 16, 2023 at 9:04 am

          Legislation is a fine thing…major car parts should have been stamped with the VIN right from the gate.

          You clowns trying to stir up pointless fears over stuff that is very unlikely to happen to any given individual for your own sick satisfaction are not a fine thing. What’s in it for you Mike? Are you some sort of fear vampire? You get off on people cowering away from nothing?

          The same way you cower when you think about me knowing who you are?

          Reply
          • Mike says

            February 16, 2023 at 11:40 am

            You double down on your nonsense instead of debating me with articulable facts. You lose.
            There are many people who know me or know of me, but I don’t concern myself with them. I have an unsullied record, so I have nothing, or nobody to fear. Which is more than we can say about you Time-Served-Tim. You’re merely an amusement to me; one I think of during a particularly satisfying bowel movement. You’re merely the excrement of society who has already imposed their will upon you once.

          • East Palmdale's Most Wearing Hard Hat says

            February 16, 2023 at 2:16 pm

            Heads up! Look out below.

          • Unbothered Home Alarm salesman says

            February 16, 2023 at 2:35 pm

            @Mike

            Well said!

          • Tim Scott says

            February 16, 2023 at 4:53 pm

            LOL…sure Mike. Tell yourself what makes you feel brave. But we all know that your promises to “shut my pie hole for me” dried up when you had the chance to deliver on them, so I’m pretty sure that late at night you don’t think of me…but you still know you are a coward.

        • AVs Most Perfectly Opposite Simulacrum of Conservative Conspiracy Theories says

          February 17, 2023 at 7:02 am

          It is am epidemic for sure.
          Red State goons, confederates in blue California, arrange with their traitor sympathizers living in the hills to have their cats stolen, get the criminal report, and then ‘buy’ their own cats back from their criminal partners.
          As you might guess, these organized criminals will never get caught, and exposing the criminal enterprise/foible is near impossible,.
          It the perfect crime, where the casualty loss is written off against any taxes owed, all for the cost of having their sick f#*k, pollution loving, California hating friends saw off the cats and then weld them back on, which is $0.00.
          Since cats can get darned expensive, this can be a pretty substantial write off, and these red state sympathizers opportunistically use the crimes they commit to make California look bad.

          Reply
          • East Palmdale's Most Shocked & Awed says

            February 17, 2023 at 11:22 am

            Seriously, you need an intervention with counseling, medications, and maybe involuntary committal with electric shock treatments. Good luck.

  16. Frank Eugene says

    February 15, 2023 at 7:33 pm

    Wait until you have all your catalytic converters stolen out of you brand new Toyota tundra while your sleeping in the Holiday Inn Express, while on vacation …Only 5 month wait to get them replaced…no big deal,,Maybe person stealing her converter was same person stealing mine ?

    Reply
    • ActonRanger says

      February 27, 2023 at 7:25 pm

      I thought staying at a Holiday Inn was the smart thing to do?

      You realize their argument they they are: “not be responsible for parking lot theft” is a disclaimer used to deter lawsuits but does not relieve them entirely from liability. Make a claim (next time) with the hotel’s insurance company and follow through with a small claims suit. You can find out the name of their insurance company through corporate. If they do not cooperate simply file a claim with corporate.
      Be sure to include any expenses incurred including lost time at work along with the physical damages to the vehicle.
      You may be surprised at the outcome.

      Reply
  17. ACE says

    February 15, 2023 at 6:32 pm

    JUST TOO BAD THE three additional suspects WEREN’T ALSO RUN OVER WHILE HELPING OUT UNDER THE CAR…

    ***

    FIXING THE LOSS COSTS A COUPLE OF GRAND…

    REALLY MESSES UP THE BUDGET…

    ***

    EATING RAMIN AND HOT DAWGS EVERY NIGHT FROM NOW ON UNTIL THEY CAN AFFORD TO FIX IT…

    ***

    BYE-BYE DEAD SCUM AND GOOD RIDDANCE…

    I HOPE IT HURT…

    ***

    AND SCREW ALL OF HIS FRIENDS TOO…

    ***

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      February 16, 2023 at 10:30 am

      wll said.

      Reply
  18. Crossroads says

    February 15, 2023 at 6:07 pm

    You can’t depopulate the human race idiot

    Reply
  19. No One says

    February 15, 2023 at 2:04 pm

    Instant Karma!

    Reply
  20. warm_fish_salad says

    February 15, 2023 at 12:16 pm

    Why the hell was the lady sleeping in her own car at 6pm should be the next question….

    Reply
    • Kiki says

      February 15, 2023 at 4:52 pm

      Because she can it’s her car.

      Reply
      • warm_fish_salad says

        February 16, 2023 at 9:39 am

        So she doesn’t have a place to live to do that? Why would anyone want to see a transient sleeping in the car? Palmdale east/west is getting worse and worse….dems like you are ruining this state…..

        Reply
        • Kiki says

          February 17, 2023 at 11:41 am

          Actually people can have a house and still fall asleep in their cars hmmmmmm. You should come from under your rock more often.

          Reply
        • Nemesis says

          February 17, 2023 at 4:44 pm

          Some people work or go to school without being able to go home in-between and take a quick nap. Some people travel far distances and want a break. Why are you so negative and judgemental? Of all the things occuring in the world, THIS is what you fret about? Wow

          Reply
  21. Jennifer says

    February 15, 2023 at 9:26 am

    You know I knew the guy and no he didn’t deserve to die

    Reply
    • Luther says

      February 15, 2023 at 10:25 am

      Jennifer. Sorry but he did. Play stupid games and win stupid prizes. You are going to hurt other peoples lively hoods don’t be surprised if you pay the price.

      Reply
      • Tim Scott says

        February 15, 2023 at 12:17 pm

        Luther if your threshold for ‘deserves to die’ is as low as stealing a part off of a car you are going to depopulate the planet and most likely won’t be around to see it.

        Reply
        • Nemesis says

          February 17, 2023 at 4:57 pm

          Nobody killed the man, so your argument is mute. His actions, his choices, got him killed. Nobody in their right mind likes to be victimized by crime. It’s far too human for people to feel angry about crime and victimization, is it not? Who cares if people say he deserves what he got!

          Reply
          • Tim Scott says

            February 17, 2023 at 6:54 pm

            My argument was indeed mute, as this website has no sound capability. But what does that have to do with the article at hand?

      • Rcf says

        February 16, 2023 at 12:26 pm

        Well said

        Reply
      • Armand Jean du Plessis says

        February 17, 2023 at 7:12 am

        …said by one who has an entire room dedicated to Stupid Trophies won over the years, an unchallenged authority in stupid games and the prizes won

        Reply
    • JD says

      February 15, 2023 at 11:41 am

      LOL. 100% deserved it… [removed] around and found out.

      Reply
    • S Man says

      February 16, 2023 at 6:17 pm

      He deserved to die a very slow death. Infact, all 4 of them do. They are a waste to society.

      Reply
  22. Susan Ruvolo says

    February 15, 2023 at 9:25 am

    Oh I’m sorry!!! Yes it is a crime!!! It happened to us and it took well over a month to fine a replacement and a mark on my insurance!!! I was the victim but yet I had to pay out of pocket!! Why won’t these low lives just get a JOB!!

    Reply
  23. Natural consequence says

    February 15, 2023 at 8:14 am

    Natural consequence.
    FA&FO

    Reply
    • Justice says

      February 15, 2023 at 10:33 am

      Good Job. Well Done.

      Reply
      • AA says

        February 16, 2023 at 8:06 am

        Be careful people. “La cara de humanidad “The face of humanity” is not a material possession. Don’t ever confuse the two. One is tangible, the other is intangible and spiritual. This is a tragedy.

        Reply
        • East Palmdale's Most Hilarious Hooligan says

          February 16, 2023 at 9:21 am

          Yeah, the tragedy is that Biden floods the country with illegal alien criminals and bleeding heart nimrod a$$wipes like you elected him.

          That’s if you can vote and are not a criminal wetback yourself.

          Reply
          • Liane says

            February 17, 2023 at 11:43 am

            If these thieves had a job than maybe this wouldn’t happen . He paid the price should of been at work he would still be alive.

  24. John doe says

    February 15, 2023 at 8:06 am

    Good, serves him right.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Comments

  • Tim Yousounddumb on Ex-guard who raped inmate at federal lockup gets 10 years: “Yes let’s put the man who raped a female inmate with a bunch of female inmates ???????? What could possibly…” Mar 24, 15:33
  • East Palmdale's Most in Love With Mexico on Readers Speak Out! (January 2023): “That’s sad. I had partied and vacationed in Mexico quite a bit for many years and always had a great…” Mar 24, 15:26
  • Eye on Woman found dead in Lancaster garage identified: “RIP MY DEAR FRIEND” Mar 24, 12:40
  • ACE on Fasting for Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan begins Thursday: “I’M FASTING FOR THOSE SAN BERNARDINO ISLAMIC MASS MURDERERS OF THEIR FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS AT THEIR CHRISTMAS PARTY AND LATER…” Mar 24, 11:20
  • Tim Scott on Readers Speak Out! (January 2023): “Notice how when Tweedledumb gets her nonsense shoved back in her face she just moves on and spouts nonsense somewhere…” Mar 24, 10:56

Copyright © 2023 · The AV Times LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of Use