5 Accused Of Stealing Catalytic Converters In Columbia County

CANAAN, NY — Five people were arrested after being accused of stealing catalytic converters in Columbia County.

The New York State Police said, shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday, troopers stopped a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria that matched the description of a car used in the theft of catalytic converters in the area.

An investigation found that the occupants had two stolen catalytic converters as well as several tools used to cut them from cars, police said.

There was also about 3.3 grams of fentanyl found in the car, according to authorities.

Police arrested Robert E. Perez, 41, Tonya T. Perez, 39, Lucindia M. Rideout, 51, and Crawford J. Boice, 29, all of Shodack, Rensselaer County, and Ross E. Hendrick, 45, of Castleton-on-Hudson, Rensselaer County.

They were all charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a felony, and possession of burglar tools, a misdemeanor.

Boice was additionally charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.

Police said there was also an outstanding arrest warrant for misdemeanor petit larceny against Robert Perez. He was arraigned in the Town of Claverack Court and sent to the Columbia County Jail without bail.

The others were all issued appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Canaan Court Jan. 12.