Officer clipped by patrol car during chase for catalytic converter thieves, 3 arrested
Catalytic converter theft leads to chase that ends in arrest of three thieves.
HOUSTON - A Houston police officer was injured by a patrol car during a chase through Southwest Houston that ended in the arrest of three catalytic converter thieves.
Police say it began at a city vehicle lot on Bingle and 290.
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HPD's Auto Theft Proactive Operation Unit was undercover at the lot when they observed three suspects stealing catalytic converters from city vehicles, that's when a chase ensued.
Officers with the crime supression team in southwest Houston spotted the suspect vehicle and saw when it stopped and the three suspects ran off on foot. Those officers got out of their vehicle and tried chasing the suspects on foot.
During the foot chase one of the officers was hit by another patrol unit at the 700 block of Wednesbury. The officer was hit in his knee and suffered minor injuries. He was transported to Southwest Memorial Hermann where he is believed to be OK.
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Meanwhile, all three suspects were caught and charged. Five catalytic converters were recovered.
HPD was able to recover five catalytic converters after arresting and chargin three thieves caught in the act.
HPD says catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise and the department is dedicating a team to fight it.
"The chief is putting forward, you guys have a new unit, organized crime unit that's just specifically dedicated to catalytic converter theft," said HPD Lt. Pavel. "That's how serious this problem has been throughout the city."
The lieutenant added that thieves are also hitting hospitals and different areas where people leave their vehicles.
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