Santa Monica Police Arrest Catalytic Converter Thief and Meth Dealer on 4th Street Near Idaho Avenue

Santa Monica Police say they have arrested yet another catalytic converter thief. The auto parts are stolen from vehicles in people's driveways, because they contain precious metals such as silver and palladium.

The arrested suspect was already on probation for burglary and automobile theft. The press release reads as follows:

On June 17, 2022 at approximately 3:30 AM, Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) Officers responded to the 900 block of 4th Street to investigate a theft. The Reporting Party (RP) heard noises coming from the unsecured sub garage of their apartment complex. The RP immediately contacted 9-1-1 after investigating and observing a male underneath a vehicle.

SMPD Officers quickly arrived on scene and detained the suspect and female passenger, who were preparing to leave in a vehicle. A subsequent search of the suspect vehicle revealed a catalytic converter (not belonging to the vehicle he was under), tools consistent with catalytic converter theft and over 15 grams of methamphetamine. Officers learned the male suspect was on probation for Burglary and Grand Theft Auto.

The male suspect, Francis Alvarado, a 41-year-old male from Los Angeles, was transported to the SMPD Jail and booked for possession of stolen property and methamphetamine.

Anyone with any additional information pertaining to this incident is strongly encouraged to contact the Detective Bureau at 310-458-8451 or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8426.