Tip leads to arrest of three Bay Area men attempting to steal a catalytic converter

"According to the Vacaville Police Department, officers were dispatched shortly before 1 a.m. to the area of Keating Park after a caller reported suspicious activity involving a U-Haul truck parked near a Honda. The caller told dispatch he heard what sounded like an electric saw and, as he approached, one of three men activated the saw in his direction in an apparent attempt to intimidate him."

"Officers began searching nearby neighborhoods for the truck and soon located it, attempting a traffic stop. As officers moved in, two passengers exited the vehicle and ran, police said. One suspect, Jose Garcia, 40, of Richmond, was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. Officers then organized a search for the second fleeing suspect using a patrol drone and a police K-9, the department said."

"During the search, officers checked several residential yards and the drone operator located a heat signature inside a boat. Gilberto Castillo, 30, listed as transient, was found hiding inside the boat, attempting to conceal himself with items stored there, police said. The driver of the U-Haul, Even Jarquinreyes, 36, of Vacaville, was detained at the vehicle. A search of the truck revealed multiple Sawzall tools, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to police."

Three men attempted to steal a catalytic converter from a Honda near Keating Park and fled when confronted by a community member. A caller reported hearing an electric saw and one suspect activated the saw toward the caller to intimidate him. Officers found fresh damage to the catalytic converter and a Sawzall blade, then located the U-Haul and attempted a traffic stop. Two passengers ran; one was captured after a foot pursuit and another was found hiding in a boat via drone and K-9 search. The driver was detained and the truck contained tools, methamphetamine, and paraphernalia. Active warrants and probation status were discovered, and all three were booked into Solano County Jail on multiple charges.

Read at The Mercury News