DATE: April 2, 2022
INCIDENT: Catalytic Converter Thefts
LOCATION: 2000 block of S. Garey Ave, Pomona
SUSPECT(S): Brian Heath, 45-year-old resident of Pomona
VICTIM(S): Chino Hills residents
SUMMARY: In January of 2022, deputies assigned to the Chino Hills Multi-Enforcement Team (MET) received information of a major catalytic converter theft/fencing operation operating in the eastern portion of Los Angeles County and western portion of San Bernardino County. During the investigation, deputies learned officers from the Azusa and Glendora Police Departments were also actively investigating the same operation. Working cooperatively, members of Chino Hills MET, and officers from the Azusa, Glendora, and Chino Police Departments identified a primary suspect and numerous locations involved.
On April 2, 2022, members of the Chino Hills Multi-Enforcement Team, along with members of the San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force (SANCATT) and Azusa Police Department, served a search warrant at the 2000 block of S. Garey Avenue in the city of Pomona. As a result, they arrested Brian Heath for possession of stolen property and narcotics violations.
Simultaneously, members of the Azusa, Glendora, and Chino Police Departments served search warrants at additional locations assisted by the Task Force for Regional Auto Theft Prevention (TRAP), the Foothill Special Enforcement Team (FSET), Los Angeles County Probation, and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Metal Theft Investigators. During the service of the search warrants, numerous catalytic converters, firearms, narcotics, other metal theft related items, and a large amount of U.S. Currency were seized. A total of eight adults were arrested for crimes related to catalytic converter thefts, possession of stolen property, felony vandalism, vehicle theft, firearms violations, narcotics violations, and parole and probation violations.
Additionally, items related to cargo thefts were identified and additional search warrants were served with the help of the Governor’s Cargo Theft Task Force, which is comprised of officers from the California Highway Patrol and Special Agents from the Union Pacific Railroad Police Department. They estimated approximately $100,000 worth of stolen cargo was recovered from the locations.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy Brad Gomez / Detective Andrew McCoy
Station: Chino Hills Police Station
Phone No. 909-364-2000
Case No. 022200225
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
