Lengthy Pursuit Follows Santa Cruz Catalytic Converter Theft

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A catalytic converter theft in Santa Cruz led to a police pursuit through multiple Bay Area counties late Thursday night.

Arturo R. Felix, 18, was ultimately arrested in Oakland on suspicion of recklessly evading police, vandalism and driving without a valid license, according to a statement from the California Highway Patrol. Felix was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail around 4 a.m. Friday and released on bail two hours later, according to CHP.

A passenger in his car ran from the scene and was not identified, CHP said.

The incident began around 11:30 p.m. Thursday when law enforcement was asked to keep a lookout for a car responsible for a catalytic converter theft in the City of Santa Cruz.

Officers spotted Felix's 2003 silver Acura on Highway 1 near Vista Point and attempted to stop him to no avail, according to the CHP statement. Felix led officers to Oakland, where he was finally arrested around 12:30 p.m. with the help of a San Jose Police Department helicopter.