News Release
On 8/3/22, at about 0130 hours, deputies responded to the 1600 block of Rancho Conejo Boulevard reference an anonymous caller reporting he heard the grinding of a power tool and saw a white truck with two occupants stealing a catalytic converter.
Deputies located the suspect vehicle and conducted a high-risk traffic stop. Both occupants of the truck were taken into custody without incident. Deputies searched the vehicle and located several license plates, power saws, multiple reciprocating saw blades, a car jack, bolt cutters and two recently cut Toyota catalytic converters, along with a loaded gun magazine.
The driver was identified as Martin Garcia and the passenger was identified as Alberto Herrera Coronado. Garcia was on Post Release Community Supervision for a prior grand theft out of Los Angeles County. Both suspects were found to have narcotics and a large amount of cash on their person, which was confiscated for evidence.
Thousand Oaks Police Investigators were on scene and are actively investigating the catalytic converter crew. Based on the initial investigation, it is believed this crew has been to Thousand Oaks in the past and could be responsible for several other catalytic converter thefts in the city. At the completion of a thorough investigation, it is likely other charges will be filed.
Garcia was arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for conspiracy, grand theft, a felon in possession of ammunition and possession of a controlled substance.
Coronado was arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for conspiracy, grand theft and possession of a controlled substance.
The bail for both Garcia and Coronado is set at $50,000, and they have an arraignment date of 8/05/22, 1:30 PM.
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477)
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Catalytic converter theft — soon to be made a misdemeanor punishable by a $50 fine and an hour of community service in support of anti-racist policies. Enacted by emergency legislation to be signed by El Supremo Gabby Nuisance as soon as it hits his desk. Catalytic converter salvaging is a racist crime imposed on minorities by racists everywhere.