Los Angeles police arrested four people after an investigation into catalytic converter thefts in Reseda led to a vehicle pursuit and the recovery of eight cut catalytic converters.
The incident began early Tuesday morning, August 11, 2026, when Los Angeles Police Department Devonshire Area officers responded to the 7400 block of Hesperia Avenue at approximately 2:50 a.m. Police were responding to a report of three male suspects allegedly removing a catalytic converter from a parked Toyota Tundra.
While officers were responding to the call, a Devonshire Area patrol unit located a vehicle displaying a stolen license plate. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to yield, triggering a pursuit.
According to the LAPD, the vehicle was a black Mercedes-Benz C-300. The pursuit was eventually relinquished to the California Highway Patrol, which continued the operation before it was terminated in the 500 block of South Eastman Avenue in Los Angeles County.
CHP personnel took four individuals into custody after the pursuit ended.
The driver was identified as a 17-year-old male juvenile. Because he is a minor, authorities did not publicly identify him.
Police said a subsequent search of the Mercedes resulted in the recovery of eight catalytic converters that had already been cut, along with ski masks and burglary tools.
The three adult suspects were identified by police as Mario Gonzalez, 22, of Los Angeles; Bryan Canul, 23, of Los Angeles; and Michael Pedraja, 23, also of Los Angeles.
KEY FACTS
Location: 7400 block of Hesperia Avenue in Reseda.
- Initial Call: Officers responded around 2:50 a.m. to a report of suspects removing a catalytic converter.
- Vehicle: Black Mercedes-Benz C-300 displaying a stolen license plate.
- Pursuit: The driver failed to yield to Devonshire Area officers.
- Arrests: Four individuals were taken into custody.
- Juvenile: A 17-year-old male was arrested as the alleged driver.
- Evidence Recovered: Eight cut catalytic converters, ski masks and burglary tools.
- Adult Suspects: Mario Gonzalez, Bryan Canul and Michael Pedraja.
- Charges: The three adults were booked for grand theft under California Penal Code section 487(A).
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
The recovered items provide investigators with physical evidence potentially connecting the suspects to catalytic converter theft activity.
According to police, eight catalytic converters had been cut before officers searched the Mercedes. Detectives also recovered ski masks and burglary tools from inside the vehicle.
The presence of multiple cut converters is significant because catalytic converter theft typically involves quickly removing the component from a parked vehicle and transporting it for later resale or processing. The investigation will determine whether the recovered converters came from the Toyota Tundra mentioned in the original call or from other vehicles.
The stolen license plate attached to the Mercedes also became a factor in the investigation. LAPD officers attempted to stop the vehicle after locating it while responding to the original theft report, but the driver allegedly refused to stop.
The pursuit was eventually transferred to CHP, which apprehended the occupants after the vehicle was stopped in Los Angeles County.
LAPD identified Gonzalez, Canul and Pedraja as adult suspects and said each was booked for grand theft. Gonzalez was booked under number 7296837, Canul under number 7296835, and Pedraja under number 7296878. Police listed $0 bail for each of the three adult suspects.
The 17-year-old driver was also arrested, but authorities did not release additional identifying information because of his age.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
The arrests highlight the continuing problem of catalytic converter thefts, which have affected vehicle owners throughout Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California.
Catalytic converters contain valuable metals, making them attractive targets for thieves. Criminals can sometimes remove them quickly using specialized tools, leaving vehicle owners with expensive repairs and disabled vehicles.
In this case, investigators recovered eight converters in a single vehicle, raising questions about whether the suspects may have been involved in additional thefts beyond the original call on Hesperia Avenue.
The recovery of burglary tools and ski masks could also help detectives determine whether the group was prepared to commit additional thefts or had already targeted other vehicles.
A skeptical view, however, is that the initial arrest information does not by itself establish that all four people were responsible for every catalytic converter recovered from the Mercedes. Police have described the circumstances leading to the arrests and identified the evidence found inside the vehicle, but the full investigation must still establish where each converter came from and what role each individual allegedly played. The charges against the suspects remain allegations, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Detectives with the LAPD Devonshire Area are expected to continue investigating the recovered catalytic converters and determining whether they can be linked to additional theft reports.
Investigators may also examine the burglary tools and other items recovered from the Mercedes for evidence that could connect the suspects to other incidents.
The three adult suspects remain identified by police in connection with the grand theft investigation, while the juvenile case will proceed separately through the juvenile justice system.
Authorities are also asking members of the public who may have information about the thefts to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Barone with LAPD's Devonshire Division at (818) 832-0633.
During non-business hours or weekends, callers can contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).
Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or through the P3 Tips mobile application.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Where did the eight recovered catalytic converters come from?
- Were all of the recovered converters stolen during the same period?
- How many additional thefts, if any, are investigators linking to the suspects?
- What role did each of the four arrested individuals allegedly play?
- Will additional charges be filed as the investigation continues?
- Were other vehicles targeted before officers arrived in Reseda?
- What will happen to the juvenile suspect's case?