Three Massachusetts men arrested after 14 catalytic converters stolen

Three Massachusetts men have been arrested after another rash of catalytic converter thefts.

According to East Providence Police, on Saturday at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Rhode Island Truck Center on Amaral Street for a report of a larceny in progress. A caller reported that several individuals had gained access to the gated facility and were actively stealing catalytic converters from several commercial vehicles. Responding officers encountered a silver Mazda sedan exiting the parking lot occupied by three men wearing black ski masks.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but their commands were ignored. The vehicle fled the scene at a high rate of speed towards the Wampanoag Trail. Several officers pursued the vehicle on Pawtucket Avenue before it continued onto Route 195 westbound. During the pursuit. the vehicle sustained damage to the passenger side front tire. The vehicle continued to flee at a high rate of speed on three wheels onto Route 95 north and eventually Route 146 north.

Surrounding agencies were notified of the pursuit which was eventually terminated near the Smithfield Avenue exit on Route 146. Rhode Island State Police located the vehicle a short distance away where the vehicle attempted to exit onto Route 116. The vehicle became disabled, and all three suspects fled on foot. All three were subsequently taken into custody by Rhode Island State Police.

Rhode Island State Police recovered 14 catalytic converters from the vehicle, each valued at approximately $1,500. Officers identified several vehicles that had the catalytic converters removed. Detectives are currently investigating the incident to see if the suspects are connected to other catalytic converter thefts in East Providence and surrounding communities. The three suspects were eventually transported to the East Providence Police Department where they were identified and arraigned by a bail commissioner.

Earlier this month a local man was charged in connection with the theft of 21 catalytic converters.

27-year-old Jose Vazquez, of Chicopee, MA is charged with Larceny over $1,500 (6 counts), Injuring or Tampering with Vehicles (6 counts), Eluding an Officer/High Speed Pursuit, Obstructing an Officer in Execution of Duty, and Conspiracy.

26-year-old Nathaniel Vazquez, of Springfield, MA is charged with Larceny over $1,500 (6 counts), Injuring or Tampering with Vehicles (6 counts), and Conspiracy.

24-year-old Roberto Jourdan, of Springfield, MA is charged with Larceny over $1,500 (6 counts), Injuring or Tampering with Vehicles (6 counts), and Conspiracy.