3 Suspected Catalytic Converter Thieves Arrested in South Pasadena

Police in South Pasadena covered several suspected stolen catalytic converters, tools and a stolen van on April 11, 2021. Three suspects were arrested. (Credit: South Pasadena Department)

Police in South Pasadena recovered several allegedly stolen catalytic converters, as well as a stolen van, and arrested three suspects on Sunday, authorities said.

Officers received a report shortly before 2 a.m. of an “in-progress catalytic converter theft” in the 600 block of Fair Oaks Avenue, South Pasadena police officials said in a written statement.

They spotted three people driving away from the area in a van and pulled it over.

“Upon stopping the suspects, it was learned the van they were driving was reported stolen,” according to the statement. “A search of the van yielded several other stolen catalytic converters, along with cutting tools used to remove the parts.”

Miguel Angel Leon, 36, of Los Angeles, James Blackwell, also known as Jodie Bleakley, 48, of Texas, and Katie Vrendenburgh, whose age was not available, of Julian, were arrested on suspicion of auto theft, grand theft, drug-related offenses, and outstanding warrants, according to police and Los Angeles County booking records.

Leon and Blackwell were being held without bail pending their initial appearances in L.A. County Superior Court.

The neighboring Pasadena Police Department has reported a doubling in the thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles in recent months.

Due to the precious metals they contain, the pricey auto parts are generally recycled by the thieves for quick cash.

Also early Sunday, police in Pasadena investigated an incident in which a 50-year-old man was attacked after confronting two men who were stealing a catalytic converter from his car in front of his home, said Pasadena police Lt. Anthony Burgess.

The victim suffered a cut to his head when one of the thieves struck him with the just-removed auto part, Burgess said. The attackers got away.

South Pasadena police in February arrested three suspected thieves and recovered stolen catalytic converters while working on a task force dedicated to the recent crime trend.

Catalytic Converter Thefts Double in Pasadena Amid Regional Surge

South Pasadena Police Arrest 3 Alleged Catalytic Converter Thieves