Crime

Authorities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island continue to crack down on catalytic converter thefts with three more suspects arrested

Published

2 years ago

December 27, 2022

Ken Paiva

Photo courtesy of PD from 12/4 catalytic converter thefts

Three more suspects were arrested on Tuesday after authorities from Massachusetts and Rhode Island continue to crack down on catalytic converter thefts in the area.

According to Boston Police, just after 3:45 a.m. on Tuesday, three suspects were placed in custody as a result of a joint effort from officers assigned to District B-2 (Roxbury) and members of the Massachusetts State Police following their response to a call for a larceny in progress in the area of 15 Devon Street in Roxbury.

While approaching the scene, officers were advised that the suspects had stolen a catalytic converter from a parked motor vehicle before fleeing the area. During the incident, one suspect utilized a jack and a power tool to remove the part, another stood by as a ‘lookout’ while the third remained in a running vehicle nearby.

A short time later, MSP Troopers stopped a vehicle matching the given description in the area of 158 Geneva Avenue at which time they observed four catalytic converters along with other evidence in the rear of the vehicle. BPD Officers then arrived on scene and placed all three suspects in custody without incident.

Joshua LeBeau, 26, Isaac Cohen, 24, and Blaze Miranda, 22, all of New Bedford, will be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on charges of Receiving Stolen Property (Over $1200), Malicious Destruction of Property and Possession of Burglarious Tools.

Additionally, Blaze Miranda was found to be wanted on an extraditable warrant sought out of Cranston, RI, on charges of Possession of Stolen Parts.

While catalytic converters getting cut from vehicles has been prevalent as of late, police in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have arrested several suspects recently believed to be responsible for a series of converter thefts.