A Gardena surveillance camera captured the moment a group of thieves stole a catalytic converter from a driveway in the middle of the night.
Surveillance video shows the three suspects pulling into the driveway. One of the men grabbed a jack and approached the victim’s car while the other two stood behind and acted as lookouts. At some point, one of the suspects picked up what police said was a semi-automatic handgun and pointed it at the home and security cameras.
Investigators said the suspect removed the catalytic converter from a Toyota Prius, jumped into a dark-colored sedan and drove off. Police have not yet made any arrests.
“When I saw the video and the man with the gun, I was surprised by what was happening in my neighborhood,” she said. “I hope they catch them because it’s not just the catalytic converter, right? All three had weapons. If anyone cared, they were going to kill them.”
The Gardena crime bears similarities to the May 25 crime that killed actor Johnny Wactor in downtown Los Angeles. According to police, witnesses said Walkerto was confronted by three people who were using jacks to lift his car. They shot him while stealing his car’s catalytic converter. He later died in hospital.
The Gardena Police Department and the Los Angeles Police Department have not confirmed a connection between the two cases.
Post time: Jun-12-2024