3 Suspects Arrested On Suspicion Of Stealing Catalytic Converter

SANTA MONICA, CA — Three suspects were arrested on suspicion of attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a parked vehicle in Santa Monica last week, police said.

Someone reported a grand theft was happening around 2:05 a.m. Wednesday near 23rd Street and Arizona Avenue, Lt. Rudy Flores of the Santa Monica Police Department said.

Officers found two suspects underneath a parked truck and then saw a white vehicle drive off from the location, police said. Officers stopped the car and found three suspects inside. They also uncovered a sawzall with additional cutting blades, pliers, a vehicle jack and a catalytic converter inside the car.

In addition to the items found inside the vehicle, another cut catalytic converter was located under the truck where the suspects were originally spotted, police said.

Eduardo Ayala, 43, Daniel Hernandez, 25, and Tabatha Lukenzic, 35, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a crime and attempted grand theft.

Ayala was also charged with receiving stolen property and possession of burglary tools.

"All three suspects had prior theft-related arrests," Flores said.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division at 310-458-8451 or the watch commander’s office at 310-458-2249.

Authorities are also warning people to report any suspicious activity and call the non-emergency dispatcher at 310-458-8491.