Harris County Deputies Catch Catalytic Converter Thief in the Act

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 26-year-old man Wednesday evening in connection with a catalytic converter theft investigation in northwest Harris County.

According to investigators, deputies with the sheriff’s office Auto Theft Unit responded May 20 to a report of a theft in progress involving catalytic converters.

Detectives located the suspect vehicle entering an apartment complex, where investigators believed two suspects were preparing to target additional vehicles.

When detectives and patrol deputies attempted to contact the occupants, both suspects fled on foot, authorities said.

Investigators said Detective J. Castellanos quickly apprehended one suspect, identified as Tundra Johnson, 26. Deputies recovered multiple stolen catalytic converters and a saw believed to have been used during the thefts.

Johnson was charged with Unauthorized Possession of a Catalytic Converter, a state jail felony.

Authorities said the driver of the vehicle has also been identified and additional charges are expected.

Detective Castellanos is continuing the investigation to identify victims and return the recovered property.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a catalytic converter theft is asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000.