Suspects Arrested for Catalytic Converter Theft NR26161cm

Reseda: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Devonshire Area announce the arrest of four individuals responsible for catalytic converter thefts.

On August 11, 2026, around 2:50 a.m., LAPD Devonshire Area officers responded to the 7400 block of Hesperia Avenue for a radio call of three male suspects removing a catalytic converter from a parked Toyota Tundra.

While responding to the radio call, a Devonshire Area patrol unit located a vehicle with a stolen license plate attached, and attempted a traffic stop of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, a black Mercedes-Benz C-300, failed to yield, resulting in a vehicle pursuit.

The pursuit was ultimately relinquished to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and terminated in the 500 block of South Eastman Avenue, in Los Angeles County, where CHP personnel took four individuals into custody. The driver of the vehicle was a 17-year-old male juvenile. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of ski masks, burglary tools and eight catalytic converters that had been cut.

Suspect 1: Mario Gonzalez, a 22-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was booked for 487(A)PC: Grand Theft, and given booking #7296837, with $0 bail.

Suspect 2: Bryan Canul, a 23-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was booked for 487(A)PC: Grand Theft, and given booking #7296835, with $0 bail.

Suspect 3: Michael Pedraja, a 23-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was booked for 487(A)PC: Grand Theft, and given booking #7296878, with $0 bail.

A 17-year-old male juvenile was also arrested.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact Detective Barone, Devonshire Division, at 818-832-0633. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS(800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers as your local program.