2 Men Suspected In Catalytic Convertor Theft In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Two Los Angeles men were arrested on suspicion of grand theft and possession of burglary tools in Santa Monica, police said.

An officer was driving southbound in the 800 block of 17th Street, near Montana Avenue, on Nov. 3 about 3:37 a.m. and saw someone underneath a 2008 Honda CRV with his legs extended into the traffic, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

"Given the late hour and dim lighting, the officer stopped to determine whether the subject needed assistance or was possibly committing a crime," police said. "The officer parked his vehicle alongside the CRV and approached the subject who initially ignored the officer’s questions."

The officer looked under the vehicle and saw the suspect had a flashlight and an electric cutting tool, police said. He could also see the vehicle’s exhaust system was damaged and the catalytic converter was partially removed.

The officer told the suspect to get out from under the car and called for additional officers to respond, police said. The officer also noticed a second suspect who was hiding behind the vehicle.

Francisco Casillas, Jr., 19, and Samuel Medina, Jr., 33, were arrested on suspicion of grand theft and possession of burglary tools.

They were "issued citations to appear per the LA County Emergency Bail Schedule," police said.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact SMPD Detective Buus at 310-458-8943 or the watch commander at 310-458-8427.

Tips on how to prevent catalytic converter thefts

Police shared several tips to help decrease the likelihood of catalytic converter thefts:

• Always park in well-lit areas or within your garage if possible.
• At shopping centers and other similar parking lots, park close to the entrance of the building or where there’s a lot of traffic.
• Visit a local muffler shop and have the converter secured to the vehicle’s frame with a couple of pieces of hardened steel welded to the frame.
• Check out the different types of catalytic converter theft deterrent systems at your local auto parts store or online.

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