Oceanside police arrest catalytic converter theft suspects

A number of folks landed in custody early Thursday morning after the reported theft of a catalytic converter led to a high-speed chase on an Oceanside thoroughfare, police officers stated.

Shortly after 2 a.m., somebody referred to as to report a theft of the automobile half in progress on Blackberry Manner, a residential neighborhood off state Route 76 and never removed from Guajome Regional Park, police spokesperson Jennifer Atenza stated.

When officers tried to cease two autos within the space, each sped off heading west down SR-76. Police gave chase.

Atenza stated the speeds reached 100 mph, and police referred to as off the pursuit for public security causes.

Earlier than police pulled again, although, officers down the street had laid out spike strips throughout site visitors lanes. The fleeing automobiles ran over the strips, disabling each autos close to Loretta Road — greater than seven miles from the location of the housebreaking and only a half mile from Interstate 5.

The folks within the automobiles ran off towards the San Luis Rey riverbed, Atenza stated. With assist from the division’s drone group, officers discovered and arrested six folks.

All have been residents of Los Angeles County, she stated.

One of many six folks was a woman who had run away from residence, and she or he was returned to her dad and mom. The remaining 5 suspects — all adults — have been arrested on suspicion of a number of fees, together with grand theft.

Police additionally discovered two stolen catalytic converters in addition to instruments usually related to theft of the expensive automobile elements, Atenza stated.