SMPD Arrests Suspects for Catalytic Converter Theft
March 10, 2021 4:45 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2021
CONTACT: Rudy Flores, Lieutenant
(310) 458-8488
rudy.flores@smgov.net
Santa Monica, CA - On March 10th at approximately 2:05 am, the Santa Monica Police Department responded to a call regarding a potential Grand Theft in progress. Dispatch relayed information regarding two individuals spotted underneath a parked truck near 23rd and Arizona Avenue. Upon arrival, officers observed a white vehicle fleeing the location.
Officers conducted a traffic stop of the white vehicle with three occupants inside. A Sawzall with additional cutting blades, pliers, a vehicle jack and a catalytic converter were located inside the car. In addition to the items found within the vehicle, another cut catalytic converter was located under the truck where the vehicle occupants were originally spotted.
Based on the items found and a witness identifying the suspects, the occupants of the vehicle, later identified as Eduardo Ayala M/H 02/26/1978, Daniel Hernandez M/H 05/22/1995 and Tabatha Lukenzic F/W 08/21/1985 were placed under arrest for 182 (A)(1) PC- Conspiracy to Commit any Crime and attempted 487 (A) PC- Grand Theft. Ayala was also charged with 496 (A) PC - Receiving Stolen Property and 466 PC – Possession of Burglary Tools. All three suspects had prior theft-related arrests.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident in encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) at 310-458-8451 or the Watch Commander’s office at 310-458-2249.
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Media Contact
Rudy Flores
Captain
Rudy.Flores@SMGOV.NET
