Petaluma Police Department
News Release
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Incident: Catalytic Converter Thieves Arrested
Report Number: 22-0531
Occurred Date : Monday, February 7, 2022
Occurred Time: 4:47 a.m.
Location: 500 block of Vallejo St.
Suspect: Alexis DeLeon Diaz (age 30, San Rafael)
Suspect: Guillermo Esparza Aguirre (age 35, Santa Rosa)
Charges: Vandalism, Possession of Burglary Tools
Incident Summary-
On 2/07/2022, at approximately 4:47 a.m., the Petaluma Police Department received a 9-1-1 call regarding a possible catalytic converter theft in progress. After hearing the sound of a saw, the reporting party observed two males near his neighbor’s vehicle and thought they were in progress of stealing the catalytic converter. He observed the two males get into an older model sedan with a sunroof that was white in color. He observed the vehicle traveling towards Jefferson St. Patrol officers located a vehicle matching that description turning onto Payran Street from D Street, just two blocks from the reported address. A traffic stop was conducted on the suspect vehicle, which had two occupants: the driver, Guillermo Aguirre, and passenger, Alexis Diaz.
Officers observed two car jacks in the back seat. Additionally, a record check revealed that Diaz was on probation for grand theft (487 PC). His probation terms included a search and seizure clause. During a search of the vehicle, officers located two car jacks, a reciprocating saw, several saw blades, burglary tools (including a shaved key), and multiple checks made out to a third party (not present in the vehicle). Aguirre was also in possession of suspected methamphetamine.
During the investigation officers learned that the victim’s vehicle had its catalytic converter cut, but not taken. In addition, the thieves left behind an additional car jack as it appears they were startled during the theft. Diaz and Aguirre were later booked at the Sonoma County Jail for the following charges:
- Deleon-Diaz
- 466 PC (possession of burglary tools)
- 496(a) PC (possession of stolen property)
- 594(b)(1) PC (felony vandalism)
- 1203.2(a) PC (felony probation violation)
- Esparza
- 466 PC (possession of burglary tools)
- 496(a) PC (possession of stolen property)
- 594(b)(1) PC (felony vandalism)
- 11377(a) HS (possession of controlled substance)
