Two people have been arrested and two others remain outstanding in connection with catalytic converter thefts in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles, authorities said Saturday.
Officers on patrol in the area of Rodney Drive and Los Feliz Boulevard spotted suspects at about 3:40 a.m. Friday underneath a parked vehicle removing a catalytic converter, the Los Angeles Police Department reported.
“When officers attempted to detain them, the suspects fled in a vehicle, and a brief pursuit ensued,” according to a police statement. “The suspects later lost control of their vehicle, resulting in a single-vehicle collision.”
Two suspects fled on foot and were subsequently taken into custody. They were identified as Elvin Ferrera, 23, of Whittier and a 17-year-old boy from Huntington Park. Both were taken to a hospital for their injuries, while two additional suspects remained outstanding.
Officers allegedly recovered five catalytic converters from the suspect vehicle.
“The northeast area has seen a rise in catalytic converter thefts this year and is calling for public help to prevent these crimes,” the LAPD said. “Vehicle owners, especially those with Toyota sedans, are advised to park in well-lit locations or off the street whenever possible and to use cloud-based home security cameras.”
Anyone with information regarding catalytic converter thefts in Los Angeles’ northeast area was urged to call the LAPD’s Northeast station at 323-561-3257, or during non-business or on weekends, at 877-527-3247. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.