How a Catalytic Converter Thief Ended Up Fighting 3 Deputies

On Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at approximately 5:31 a.m., the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a call from a citizen on the 7500 block of Whisperwillow Drive stating there was a subject(s) underneath their work vehicle which was parked in the driveway. The caller said the subject(s) was attempting to steal the catalytic converter. Later, this same caller gave a statement to deputies saying someone was trying to kick in their front door and they were hiding in the garage with their three young children.

The first responding deputy found the subject – a 48-year-old adult male – exiting the enclosed gated front patio of the caller’s home. The responding deputy, who had his duty weapon in his hand, directed the subject to stop, show their hands and get on the ground; he complied after a momentary hesitation. As the deputy approached him to place him in handcuffs, the subject wrapped himself around the deputy’s legs and attempted to bring him to the ground. Two additional deputies arrived to assist with the detainment and the suspect began to fight all three deputies. He forcefully and actively resisted for approximately three to four minutes before deputies were able to place him in handcuffs at which time the suspect became unresponsive. Deputies then placed him in a recovery position and monitored his pulse until Metro Fire arrived to transport him for evaluation and treatment.

The suspect in this incident, who has no formal address, was arrested on multiple felony and misdemeanour counts of Attempted Burglary, Resisting Executive Officers, Prowling on the Property of Another and Battery of a Peace Officer. Furthermore, he is noted as a Prolific Offender and is on Formal – Searchable Probation until 2024 for Civilian Battery and Vandalism.

Once at the hospital, doctors determined the suspect had cocaine, meth, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and prescription methamphetamine in his system and had experienced a serious medical emergency while exerting himself during the fight. Physicians determined the suspect’s prognosis was grim. The Sheriff’s Office requested and obtained a compassionate release from a judge on Wednesday evening so that his family could be with him and consult with his doctors regarding medical decisions.