Suspects Arrested for Catalytic Converter Thefts are Frequently in Trouble with the Law
NOVATO— Two men with a habit of getting in trouble with the law were arrested by Novato officers working the night shift. Officers responding to a report of a catalytic converter theft in progress arrested the pair near a gas station.
On July 6 at 2:40 a.m., officers responded to Hollyleaf Way. A short distance away, officer
stopped a vehicle with the two suspects on Enfrente Road.
Investigators determined the suspects drove to Novato from the Sacramento area and stole a catalytic converter. Officers also recovered three more catalytic converters stolen from victims in other jurisdictions.
Novato like many cities has been experiencing rising thefts of catalytic converters, a component of vehicle exhaust systems. The problem has exacerbated as catalytic converters contain increasingly more expensive rare metals, which thieves sell to scrap dealers.
The suspected thieves in this instance are Luis A. Vargas, 31 of West Sacramento, and Moses Santos, 38 of Galt. Vargas and Santos were each booked for grand theft and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor. Santos also faces a charge for tampering with a vehicle.
Vargas faces additional charges for false impersonation and committing a felony while released on bail or own recognizance. Including his latest arrest, Vargas has been arrested 13 times. He has prior arrests for various weapons-related charges, possession of controlled substances and drug dealing.
Including his latest arrest, Santos has been arrested 8 times. Santos has prior arrests for carjacking, kidnapping, robbery, and possession of controlled substances.
