More stolen catalytic converters found in theft investigation, Merced police say
Following last week’s arrest of a man accused of multiple local catalytic converter thefts, Merced police say detectives have discovered at least 70 additional converters at a storage locker used by the suspect.
Christopher Means, 31, was previously booked into the Merced County Jail for allegedly receiving stolen property. He was allegedly found in possession of multiple stolen catalytic converters and more than $20,000 cash, according to a police news release.
Police were made aware of Means as a suspect following the arrest of his brother — also accused of catalytic converter theft. A warrant issued to the 1100 block of Loughborough Drive led to Means’ arrest.
As detectives continued to investigate, they learned Means had a storage unit on the 1100 block of Yosemite Avenue. Means initially denied having a storage unit, the release says.
In addition to the more than 70 catalytic converters located in storage, detectives also discovered multiple boxes of material removed from them.
Sgt. Reynaldo Alvarez said catalytic converters contain a precious metal, which police believe Means intended to sell. Catalytic converters range from $50 to $200 depending on the type of vehicle they come from, Alvarez said.
Merced police are asking anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Detective Jeremy Salyers at (209) 388-7771 or the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at (209) 385-4725.
The public can send information via anonymous text messages to the police department by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and including the word “Comvip” as the “keyword” in the text message.
