Deputy, three catalytic converter theft suspects injured in Valencia crash

Catalytic converter crimes skyrocket

Catalytic converter theft has exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chelsea Edwards spoke to experts about why and what you can do about it.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - Three suspects suffered significant injuries Saturday when their vehicle, allegedly containing stolen catalytic converters, crashed into a sheriff's SUV in Valencia, also injuring a deputy inside, authorities said.

Paramedics took the deputy to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according to Lt. Brandon Barkley of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Santa Clarita Valley station.

Deputies were in pursuit of a vehicle that they believe contained stolen catalytic converters. The pursuit ended at 3:12 a.m. Saturday after the vehicle began moving erratically in the area of Lyons Avenue and the Golden State (5) Freeway, eventually leaving the surface streets, Barkley said.

SUGGESTED:

About 30 seconds later, according to the sheriff's watch commander, the Burbank Police Department put in a call for assistance regarding a pursuit.

"The same suspects we had initially pursued doubled back and crashed into the deputy's SUV," he said. "Three suspects were taken into custody and several catalytic converters were recovered."

Get your top stories delivered daily! Sign up for FOX 11’s Fast 5 newsletter. And, get breaking news alerts in the FOX 11 News app. Download for iOS or Android.

According to Barkley, all three suspects tried to flee on foot, but two were in "too much pain" and were apprehended immediately. He said the third suspect was "located in a tree at a nearby house."

Firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the crash scene at 3:20 a.m., according to a Los Angeles County Fire Department dispatcher.

Tune in to FOX 11 Los Angeles for the latest Southern California news.

Crime and Public Safety Santa Clarita