VENTURA, Calif. (KNX) — Three minors are in custody following a pursuit by police that ended in a crash in Ventura County early Tuesday morning.
According to the Ventura Police Department, a resident witnessed the theft of a catalytic converter from a neighbor’s car in the 2500 block of Harbor Boulevard and called police.
The witness provided a description of the suspets’ vehicle. Patrol officers in the area conducted a search of nearby neighborhoods, during which time one encountered the juveniles allegedly trying to steal a converter off another car.
The suspects fled the scene in their vehicle. Police pursued, and the suspects’ car crashed a short time after.
All three juveniles were taken into custody at the scene of the crash. They were transported to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
Investigators found 11 catalytic converters in their possession, at least three of which were taken in Ventura.
The suspects have not been identified due to their minor status, but Ventura police said all three were males from Los Angeles. They were booked into juvenile hall on Tuesday morning on suspicion of conspiracy, grand theft, possession of burglary tools, vandalism, and possession of stolen property. The driver of the getaway vehicle may face a felony evasion charge.
All of the stolen converters appear to be similar to those found on Toyota Priuses. Authorities are working to identify and contact any victims.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a catalytic converter theft in Ventura may call Detective Karl Reyes of the Ventura Police Department at (805) 339-4476.
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