Two catalytic converter thieves from L.A. were arrested in Irvine

On By art-pedroza

This post was originally published on this site

On New Year’s Day, two suspects thought they would be “cool cats” and steal catalytic converters from cars, according to the Irvine Police Department.

Police officers learned that the suspects’ vehicle, which had been involved in a theft a few days earlier, was in town.

LA catalytic converter thief busted in Irvine

The police officers tracked the suspects down in Westpark and found four freshly cut catalytic converters, a Sawzall, narcotics, and a floor jack in their car.

Eric Gregory Hoppenstand, 41, of Los Angeles, was arrested for unlawful possession of a catalytic converter, drug paraphernalia, and narcotics. Alberto Carrillo, 38, of Los Angeles, was arrested for an outstanding warrant and unlawful possession of a catalytic converter. Eric and Alberto kicked off the New Year at the Orange County Jail.

Picture Courtesy of the Irvine Police Dept

Yesterday, p;olice detectives matched a catalytic converter to a victim’s vehicle and returned it to them.

The investigation is ongoing, and detectives will contact potential victims.

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Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions.

When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.