Three More Catalytic Converter Thieves Arrested in Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Police Department made an arrest of three burglary suspects discovered during a trespassing call on Friday night. On March 26, 2021 at about 11:30 PM the SMPD was dispatched to a trespassing call in the 500 block of Wilshire Blvd.

Three suspects spotted investigating officers, chucked the loot and their tools, and tried to run. After a short foot pursuit, officers detained three men, in the 1200 block of 5th Street.

The suspects were in possession of various burglary tools. Two of the suspects were also in possession of handheld two-way radios. Officers believe these individuals were responsible for other burglaries in the area.

All three suspects had prior theft-related arrests and convictions. Arrested and charged were Rudy Barrios, 30, Eduardo Manzo Rangel, 23 and Miguel Barrientos, 32.

The SMPD arrested 3 different men the previous week, on the same charges.

The press release follows:

March 29, 2021 –On March 26, 2021 at about 11:30 PM, Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD)officers were dispatched to a trespassing call in the 500 block of Wilshire Blvd. As officers were investigating, they observed three subjects emerge from the building in question. Upon seeing the officers, the suspects immediately fled on foot, while trying to discard stolen property. After a short foot pursuit, officers detained all three without incident, in the 1200 block of 5th Street. The suspects were in possession of various burglary tools which included a hand saw, bolt cutters, channel lock pliers, screwdrivers,and master keys. Two of the suspects were also in possession of handheld two-way radios. Officers believe these individuals were responsible for other burglaries in the area. All three suspects had prior theft-related arrests and convictions.

Suspect #1: Rudy Leonel Barrios, 30 years old, from Los Angeles was charged with 459PC –Burglary; 466 PC –Possession of Burglary Tools; 11377(A)HS –Possession of Methamphetamine; 182(A)(1) PC-Conspiracy; and 148(A)(1) PC -Resist/Delay/ Obstruct Arrest

Suspect #2: Eduardo Manzo Rangel, 23 years old, from Los Angeles was charged with 459PC –Burglary; 466 PC –Possession of Burglary Tools; 182(A)(1) PC-Conspiracy; and 148(A)(1) PC -Resist/Delay/ Obstruct Arrest

Suspect #3: Miguel Eduardo Barrientos, 32 years old, from Inglewood was charged with 459 PC –Burglary;466 PC –Possession of Burglary Tools; 182(A)(1) PC–Conspiracy; 11364.1(A) H&S –Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and 148(A)(1) PC -Resist/Delay/ Obstruct Arrest

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is strongly encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491