Cotati police bust catalytic converter theft suspects

A vehicle left up on a car jack with an exhaust pipe cutter attached to the catalytic converter led Cotati police on Friday to arrest three people who were parked nearby.

Police responded took a report early Friday about the attempted theft, and as they were leaving the area they noticed a parked car with the trunk partly opened and three males inside.

When they approached the car, officers spotted drugs and drug paraphernalia in plain view.

One of the suspects inside the car was determined to have an outstanding parole violation warrant.

The suspects’ names and ages were not released.

The car was searched and several items were found that led police to believe the trio were involved in the attempted theft of the catalytic converter, including another exhaust pipe cutter and an electric cutting tool.

The three were arrested on suspicion of various crimes, including conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of burglary tools. They were booked at the Sonoma County Jail.