Full Notification

On 03/23/2022, Officers from the Simi Valley Police Department responded to the 1200 block of Able Circle in Simi Valley for a suspected catalytic converter theft in progress. Responding officers arrived at the scene and located three vehicles committing an additional theft from another victim’s vehicle. Officers were spotted, and the suspects quickly fled the area in their vehicles. Officers pursued the vehicles and gathered enough information to assist in an investigation before discontinuing the pursuit for safety reasons.

Over the next month, Detectives from the Simi Valley Police Department collaborated with several law enforcement agencies located throughout Southern California, including the Oceanside Police Department, Burbank Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.

Throughout the investigation, Detectives were able to identify several involved suspects. These identified suspects were later believed to be involved in various crimes, including catalytic converter thefts, robberies, multiple assaults with a deadly weapon, carjackings, and attempted homicide.

On 04/27/2022, investigating Detectives were made aware of a vehicle pursuit that stemmed from a catalytic converter theft in the Lancaster and Palmdale area. Three suspects were detained and arrested. 

Detectives responded to the Palmdale Sheriff’s Office. They confirmed the suspects involved in the Palmdale incident were the same suspects being investigated by numerous agencies located throughout Southern California.

On 04/28/2022, Detectives from the involved agencies conducted a multi-location search warrant in Los Angeles. During the service of the search warrants, Detectives located a large amount of evidence, including several suspected stolen catalytic converters, replica firearms, and other items pertinent to the investigation. 

Throughout the investigation, Detectives learned the suspects involved in these crimes are becoming more violent and are willing to do anything necessary to complete their criminal acts and escape. The Simi Valley Police Department urges you to avoid confrontation with these individuals and contact law enforcement immediately if you fall victim to these criminals and their activities.

The arrested suspects were identified as city of Los Angeles residents Kevin Enrique Fabian Valencia (21 years old), Jose Castro (20 years old), and Melvin Menjivar-Arevalo (23 years old). All suspects have been booked into the Los Angeles County Jail for various violations, including 2800.2(a) CVC-Evading in a vehicle, 487(a) PC-Grand Theft, 182(a)(1) PC-Conspiracy, 245(c) PC-Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer.

As the investigation continues, the Simi Valley Police Department and other involved law enforcement agencies are confident that additional arrests will occur.

Detective Sergeant Patrick Zayicek
Detective Bureau/Property Crimes 
Media Contact:  (805) 583-6209
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