Two Catalytic Converter Theft Suspects Arrested, Two at Large, After Pursuit by Officers from Mammoth Lakes to Highway 395
On Thursday, June 23, at approximately 11:45pm, Mammoth Lakes Police Officers responded to a local auto shop for a report of a stolen catalytic converter. The witnesses stated they saw three people cutting parts off a truck in the parking lot and then leave the scene in a silver SUV. This vehicle was also of interest in previous catalytic converter thefts from various vehicles in Mammoth Lakes.
Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle matching the earlier description, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit began at the intersection of Main St. and Old Mammoth Rd., travelled onto the Scenic Loop to the junction of 395, multiple forest service dirt roads and ultimately terminated south of Smokey Bear Flats. Sight was lost on the vehicle for some time as the chase was paused due to the silver SUV traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Highway 395. The vehicle was later located, unoccupied, on Pole Line Rd. It was determined that the vehicle was occupied by four people.
The following day, a tip came in that an individual matching the description of the driver was seen walking along Highway 395. He was ultimately taken into custody without incident. Later, a second person claiming to have been a passenger of the vehicle came to the police station to retrieve personal property and was also arrested.
The two individuals have been booked into the Mono County Jail on charges of felony grand theft, evading, and conspiracy. Two individuals are still at large.
The Mammoth Lakes Police Department wishes to thank the California Highway Patrol, Mono County Sheriff’s Office and Frosty 4Wheeler’s Off Road Towing for their assistance in this case.
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(From Mammoth Lakes Police Department)
