Suspect Accused Of Stealing Catalytic Converter, Police Say

SANTA MONICA, CA — A 28-year-old Los Angeles man was arrested on suspicion of grand theft in Santa Monica, police said this week.

Officers investigated an active burglary at a vehicle inside a secured parking lot at Rainbow Carpet Cleaners, 1833 Lincoln Blvd, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. They could hear a grinding noise coming from under a white Ford pickup truck and saw a suspect holding a flashlight.

The suspect attempted to flee but was immediately taken into custody without incident, police said.

Officers recovered a reciprocating saw, metal blades and the flashlight, police said.

Alexander Torres, 28, of Los Angeles, was arrested on suspicion of grand theft. Officers said he was attempting to steal the catalytic converter from the truck.

Anyone with additional information was asked to contact the SMPD Criminal Investigations Division 310-458-8451 or Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427.

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