ID Left During Catalytic Converter Theft Makes for Easy Arrest
News Release from Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
At approximately 7:32 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2021, a victim citizen called the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office Communications Center to report that the catalytic converter on his vehicle had been stolen earlier in the morning. The caller said he found a California Identification Card and a partial reciprocating saw blade under his vehicle.
The ID card belonged to Timothy Andrew Eccel (34) of Sacramento County. When investigators searched Eccel’s identity, they discovered he was on parole until 2023 for first degree burglary after serving a 6 year prison term. Being on active parole means he and his property are subject to search by law enforcement at any time.
Detectives and deputies responded to Timothy Eccel’s home, detained him, and conducted a parole search. They located a reciprocating saw on the front passenger seat of his vehicle. Attached to the saw, they observed a blade that was the same size, shape, and color as the one found under the victim’s vehicle.
Detectives also found a laptop computer on Timothy Eccel’s bed which had markings on it indicating it belonged to the San Juan Unified School District. Eccel, nor anyone in the residence, is associated with the school district.
Timothy Eccel was booked and remains in the Sacramento County Main Jail for felony grand theft, felony vandalism, possession of burglary tools and a parole hold. Detectives will investigate further, the recovered laptop belonging to the school district.
Sacramento Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Detectives are asking for anyone with information regarding the theft of catalytic converters to contact us at 916-874-TIPS (8477) or email us at Online Tip Form, you may remain anonymous.
[source]
