IRWINDALE (CNS) - Two men and a woman were arrested for allegedly stealing a catalytic converter from a vehicle and leading Irwindale police on a chase to West Covina, authorities said today.
The incident began about 11 p.m. Sunday, when officers were sent to the 15700 block of Arrow Highway on a report that three suspects had just stolen the catalytic converter from a vehicle parked outside a business, the Irwindale Police Department reported.
The victim gave police a description of the suspects' vehicle – a silver 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee -- and officers saw a vehicle matching the description near Irwindale Avenue and Fourth Street and pulled it over, police said.
“After pulling to the curb, the Jeep suddenly fled as the officers approached the vehicle (and) a vehicle pursuit then ensued,'' police said.
The chase led into West Covina, where the Jeep collided with three other vehicles at West Covina Parkway and Sunset Avenue, police said.
Two suspects were arrested at the crash scene, and the third was arrested after trying to run away, police said.
“Officers located the victim's catalytic converter inside the Jeep, along with various hand tools, power saws, saw blades and a rolling car jack,'' police said.
Alfredo Ramirez, 35, Herbert Tecero, 38, and Lejoi Mims, 38, all from Los Angeles, were booked on suspicion of crimes including grand theft,possession of burglary tools and possession of stolen property. They were released with citations to appear in court on a future date.
Photo: Irwindale Police Department
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