EASTPOINTE (WWJ) -- Two people are facing charges for allegedly stealing catalytic converters from cars in Eastpointe.
Kevin Eugene Davis, 38, and Katherine Alexandria Dokes, 33, were arrested last week after police say they were caught in the act.
On Wednesday, Nov. 30, the Eastpointe Police Department says officers were called to a business on Gratiot Ave. about a suspected larceny in progress in the parking lot.
Police arrived just in time to see a vehicle pulling out of the parking lot, with two people inside, and make a traffic stop.
Following further investigation, police said the officers found two reciprocating saws and two catalytic converters inside the vehicle. One of the converters was confirmed stolen from a vehicle in the parking lot, police said.
The man and woman in the car, identified as Davis and Dokes, were taken into custody on charges of larceny from an automobile and receiving and concealing stolen property, and were arraigned in 38th District Court.
In announcing the charges, the police department said: "Don't you hate when you start your vehicle, and the catalytic converter is missing? It cost a lot of money to replace. These converters are being stolen each day throughout Michigan."
According to the Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority, auto thefts and auto-related thefts have been trending up, starting in 2021 — involving everything from personal belongings and car parts taken from cars, to vehicles stolen off dealer lots.
You can report auto theft crimes to your local police department or by calling 1-855-MICH-TIP (855-642-4847).
