Southwest Division members conducted a traffic stop on a 2002 Chevy Astro Van in an alley near 98 Street and 86 Avenue at approximately 3:30 a.m. today, Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
Officers noticed numerous break-and-enter tools within the vehicle, including reciprocating saws, battery packs, a flashlight, two-way radios and various other tools. Further investigation of the vehicle revealed two stolen catalytic converters.
Croix Wright, 33, Mark Johnston, 33, and Sean Sembaliuk, 38, were charged with possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of break-in instruments and various condition breaches.
There have been 792catalytic converter theft occurrences reported to EPS since October 2019, and close to 900 converters stolen. Thieves are often targeting vehicles parked in commercial and apartment parking lots.
Three
suspects are facing theft-related charges, following a vehicle stop by police
earlier this morning which revealed two stolen catalytic converters inside.