Catalytic Converter Thieves Arrested

On September 16, 2022, at about 11:15 p.m., the Burbank Police Department received a report of a male trying to steal a catalytic converter off a Honda Accord in the 700 block of South Glenoaks Boulevard.

When officers arrived, they spoke with the witness, who said he was outside of his residence, heard a “grinding” sound, and saw a male underneath a Honda Accord trying to steal the catalytic converter.  The witness was able to provide a description of the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle.

Officers looked under the Honda Accord the witness had observed the suspect underneath and saw the catalytic converter still attached, but it had several cuts to it, indicating the suspect had attempted to steal it.

Officers located the two suspects and their vehicle in the 7-Eleven parking lot at Glenoaks Boulevard and Alameda Avenue.

During a search of the suspect’s vehicle, officers located reciprocating saws, a cut catalytic converter, and evidence indicating the males were involved in the crime of stealing catalytic converters.

The suspects have been identified as 36-year-old Ivan Espinoza, a resident of San Fernando, and 57-year-old Rogelio Martinez, a resident of North Hollywood.  Both were arrested and booked for grand theft and receiving stolen property, both felonies, as well as drug-related charges.  Both are being held in lieu of $20,000 bail each and are due to appear in court on September 20, 2022.  Formal charges are pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

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