Three Arrested After Catalytic Converter Theft in Progress in Sugar Land

SUGAR LAND, Texas — Three men were arrested late Thursday after police caught them allegedly stealing a catalytic converter from a vehicle, authorities said.

The incident occurred April 9, 2026, when Sugar Land police responded to a resident’s report of suspicious activity involving two men underneath a vehicle. When officers arrived, they found the suspects actively cutting out a catalytic converter, with a third individual waiting nearby in a vehicle.

Officers immediately detained two of the suspects at the scene, while the third fled on foot. Police said he was quickly located and taken into custody.

Authorities identified the suspects as 22-year-old Antony Lavan III, 23-year-old Tilmerian Avery, and 22-year-old Dwight Wayne Townsend Jr. All three have been charged with unauthorized possession of a catalytic converter, a third-degree felony.

Lavan also faces an additional charge of possession of marijuana and was found to have an outstanding warrant for unlawful carrying of a weapon. Townsend is additionally charged with evading arrest.

Officials credited the quick response by officers for the arrests.