Police fatally shoot catalytic converter theft suspect
SUGAR LAND, Texas (AP) - A man suspected of stealing catalytic converters from vehicles at a suburban Houston apartment complex was fatally shot by police after allegedly pointing a gun at an officer, according to authorities.
Officers were called to an apartment complex in Sugar Land around 10:05 p.m. Thursday after residents reported several individuals stealing catalytic converters.
Three suspected thieves led officers on a short car chase before they abandoned the vehicle in a field and ran away, according to Sugar Land police.
Police used a drone to track one of the suspects as he ran through the field, said Assistant Police Chief James Davis.
"As a perimeter was set up, the suspect produced a weapon and the officer returned fire, shooting the suspect," Davis said.
The suspect, who was not immediately identified, was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Officers are still searching for the other men who were in the vehicle.
There has been a nationwide surge of thefts of catalytic converters, which filter pollutants from car exhaust. They’re made with precious metals, sit on the underside of a vehicle and can be removed in a matter of minutes with a machine-powered saw.
More from The Associated Press