2 Martinez Attempted Theft Suspects Arrested: Cops

AMERICAN CANYON, CA — Two East Bay men were arrested in southern Napa County early Tuesday morning in connection with an attempted catalytic converter theft, the American Canyon Police Department said.

James Maxwell, 50, and 32-year-old Kevin Mercure, both from Martinez, were arrested on suspicion of attempted theft and conspiracy (both felonies), and possession of burglary tools (a misdemeanor), police said.

The two men were booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections and later released, police said.

At around 3:20 a.m., an officer patrolling the area of Silver Oak Trail and American Canyon Road noticed a vehicle in the process of being lifted up on a jack and two people nearby police said.

The two suspects tried to flee as the officer approached them, but the officer caught up with them and found numerous burglary tools in their vehicle during a traffic stop, police said.