On Tuesday, San Pablo police, in cooperation with the county sheriff’s office, seized more than 700 stolen catalytic converters and 1,100 pounds of copper cable.
Police said they began a joint investigation with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in August after receiving information about sales occurring in and around San Pablo.
Arrest warrants were issued Tuesday in the 1700 block of Highway 20 in San Pablo and the 1000 block of Brookside Drive in Richmond after three suspects were identified.
San Pablo officers and deputies later discovered more than 700 catalytic converters, more than 1,100 pounds of copper cable and more than $113,000.
Investigators suspect all three are connected to “an ongoing criminal enterprise involving the sale and purchase of stolen property.” The criminal enterprise handled more than $6.4 million in transactions in 2024 alone, according to police.
San Pablo police have not identified the suspects but said they are being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on suspicion of theft of copper materials and receiving stolen property.
Jose Fabian is a network producer for CBS Bay Area covering local crime, politics and breaking news. He studied political science and journalism at Sacramento State University and was born and raised in Northern California.
Post time: Sep-11-2024