Full Notification

On March 15, 2022, around 3 AM, Officers responded to a radio call of a Catalytic Converter Theft In Progress in the 400 Block of Aristotle Street. A witness observed two subjects, later identified as 32-year-old Pacoima resident Daniel Rivas-Rodriguez and 38-year-old Pacoima resident Guadalupe Casillas, removing a catalytic converter from their neighbor’s vehicle. The subjects were seen leaving the area in a gray box-like Scion. Officers quickly responded to the area and located a vehicle matching the description. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and upon contacting the occupants, Officers could see a cut-off catalytic converter in the back of the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and located two catalytic converters, three reciprocating saws with several saw blades, a car jack, and other tools. While officers were dealing with the suspects, other officers went to the scene of the crime and confirmed two vehicles had their catalytic converters stolen. Rivas-Rodriguez and Casillas were arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for 487(a) PC – Grand Theft and 182(a)(1) PC – Conspiracy. Rivas-Rodriguez was also booked for two felony warrants out of Los Angeles and Riverside counties.