San Leandro Police Make Two Catalytic Converter Arrests
During The Same Shift: 
On June 22nd, at about 9:15 pm, officers were sent to the area of Pershing Drive and Stoakes Avenue regarding a catalytic convertor theft in progress. Upon police officers’ arrival, they located the suspect, actively removing a catalytic converter from a victim’s vehicle. The suspect fled on foot and eluded capture.
However, as this suspect fled on foot, an alert officer discovered the suspect’s vehicle near the initial scene of the theft. The first suspect’s accomplice occupied this vehicle. Jesse Cortez, a 40-year-old Hayward resident, was detained and removed from the vehicle. Officers located a loaded firearm in Cortez’s vehicle. Cortez was arrested for firearm-related charges and theft. This case will be presented to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Officer on June 24th.
The following morning, at about 3:45 am, officers were sent to the 2100 block of Bancroft Avenue regarding a catalytic convertor theft in progress. Two vehicles and their occupants were seen to be working in concert with one another to actively take the catalytic converter from the victim’s vehicle. As officers arrived on the scene, both of the suspect vehicles fled at a high rate of speed. After the successful use of a tire deflation device, one of the suspect vehicles came to rest. A suspect ran from this vehicle, and a police perimeter was established. Officers located the suspect, James Armstrong, a 25-year-old unhoused male from the Bay Area. Armstrong was placed under arrest for grand theft and possession of stolen property.
The second suspect vehicle was found abandoned on the I-238 onramp from Hesperian Boulevard. Officers located three stolen catalytic convertors inside the abandoned vehicle. This case will be presented to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office on June 24th.
“We are grateful for the community members that had the courage to report these crimes to SLPD. Without their assistance, we would not have been able to make two arrests.”
“I also want to recognize our midnight shift officers for their investigative prowess and desire to apprehend offenders,” said Lieutenant Matthew Barajas
Address/Location
San Leandro Police Department
901 E 14th St
San Leandro, CA 94577
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 510-577-2740
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