"Officers used stop sticks to blow out the SUV's tires during the pursuit, and the men were arrested after bolting into the trees on foot. One officer suffered a broken bone while chasing the suspects and is expected to undergo emergency surgery."
"Catalytic converters contain small amounts of platinum-group metals that can bring in serious money on the resale market, and thefts have climbed across the region. Law enforcement agencies have urged vehicle owners to take basic precautions, such as parking in well-lit spots, installing shields or alarms and, when possible, making parts traceable."
"Cruz and Acosta were charged with assault on an officer, auto stripping, criminal mischief and resisting arrest, and the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office is probing whether they are tied to other converter thefts in the area."
Two men from the Bronx, Henry Cruz and Luis Acosta, were arrested following a high-speed chase in Lindenhurst after allegedly stealing catalytic converters. Police deployed stop sticks to disable their SUV on the Southern State Parkway, forcing the suspects to flee into nearby woods on foot. One officer sustained a broken bone during the pursuit and requires emergency surgery. The men face charges including assault on an officer, auto stripping, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest. Catalytic converter thefts have increased across the region due to the valuable platinum-group metals inside them. Investigators are examining whether Cruz and Acosta are connected to additional thefts in the area. Law enforcement recommends vehicle owners park in well-lit areas, install protective shields or alarms, and use etching kits to mark converters for tracking purposes.
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