Off-Duty Tow Truck Driver, K9 Apprehend Catalytic Converter Thief at Deerbrook Mall

A catalytic converter theft in progress at Deerbrook Mall was thwarted thanks to the quick thinking of an off-duty tow truck driver and the swift action of Humble Police officers and their K9 partner.

Humble Police Officers responded to the mall last night after a tow truck driver, who was shopping with his family, overheard a saw being used under a vehicle. He alerted police and then followed the suspects as they attempted to flee.

The suspect attempted to evade police by driving away, but after a brief vehicle pursuit, he jumped out of the moving car, which then rolled into a curb. A Humble Police canine handler and K9 Jeffery pursued the suspect on foot. After a 350-yard chase, K9 Jeffery apprehended the suspect.

Further investigation revealed the suspect had an outstanding warrant from Colorado for a 2022 burglary. Officers also recovered the stolen catalytic converter and an electric saw from the vehicle.

The suspect, who has a lengthy criminal history including thefts, evading police, and violent charges, now faces additional charges of Evading in a Motor Vehicle and Possession of a Detached Catalytic Converter under the Humble Municipal Ordinance.