Catalytic Converter Thefts Lead To Arrest Of Man In Bergen County: Police

TEANECK, NJ — A 33-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with a recent rash of catalytic converter thefts in Teaneck, Deputy Chief of Police Andrew McGurr said.

Nixon Francisco-Colon, of Englewood, was charged with conspiracy to commit theft in the fourth degree and criminal attempt theft in the fourth degree. He was released on a summons pending an initial court appearance.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred early on Sept. 10, when police, while providing a targeted patrol, stopped a suspicious vehicle near State Street that had a paper towel covering the rear license plate.

A subsequent search of the vehicle, operated by Francisco-Colon, revealed several items, including a floor jack and jack stand, a reciprocating saw, flashlights, disposable gloves and a baseball bat. Additionally, police found rust residue, which appeared to be from vehicle exhaust pipes, at the bottom of the trunk.

When questioned about his activities, Francisco-Colon reported that he was a mechanic and the vehicle he was in belonged to a customer. He said he had stopped to pick up a friend who lived in the area.

During a subsequent interview, however, he admitted that he, along with another subject not at the scene, planned to steal catalytic converters and that he had driven to the township with arrangements to conduct such thefts before being stopped by police.