Fresno homeowner confronted catalytic converter thief. Sheriff says suspect showed a gun

Two people were in custody but a gunman was at large Friday morning after a Fresno man confronted a catalytic converter thief Friday morning in central Fresno, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office reported.

The incident took place in early morning hours near East Clinton and North Bond Street, where a resident heard a grinding noise outside of his home, said sheriff’s spokesman Tony Botti. Thieves commonly use portable reciprocating saws to steal valuable converters in a crime that can take place in about a minute and often cost the owner more than $1,000.

When the victim stepped outside, he saw someone under his vehicle and approached him. The suspect showed the victim what appeared to be a handgun, but did not point it at the victim, said Botti. The victim called the sheriff’s office as the suspect fled. Deputies located the suspect vehicle, a Saturn SUV, and made a traffic stop after a short pursuit. One man, who was believed to be the armed suspect, fled from the car and escaped. The woman at the wheel was arrested on charges of felony evading and a male passenger was detained.

Botti said that two catalytic converters, believed to be stolen, were discovered inside the Saturn by deputies.

Asked whether citizens should confront suspects who are committing such a crime, Botti said every case is unique, and people need to make their own judgment calls. But he added that everyone should use caution when doing so.