Stolen Catalytic Converters Found in Car That Led Chase from Encinitas to Orange County: San Diego Sheriff’s

A 41-year-old man led police in a car chase Wednesday morning that began in San Diego County and ended on foot in Orange County.

Just before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, deputies from the North Coast Sheriff Station’s Crime Suppression Team attempted to stop the driver of a red Dodge Charger near Encinitas Boulevard and Seeman Drive, believed to be involved in recent catalytic converter thefts in the region, according to the county sheriff’s office. San Diego.

According to authorities, the driver, 41-year-old Erik Rivera, persisted when asked to stop and a pursuit began.

During the pursuit, the vehicle drove over several mailboxes on Seeman Drive and continued northbound on Interstate 5, the Sheriff’s Department said.

According to authorities, the deputies followed the vehicle into the town of San Clemente and were relieved by California Highway Patrol officers, who continued their pursuit of Rivera into Orange County.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, CHP officers successfully deployed the tire deflation device and the vehicle came to a stop near the exit of Highway 73 and La Paz Road.

Rivera and the front passenger ran out of the vehicle, while the rear seat passengers, Rufino Garcia, 41, and Francisco Perez, 45, were immediately detained.

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Rivera was located and arrested during a search of the area, according to police.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, the front passenger who exited the vehicle managed to escape.

Two catalytic converters and numerous tools were found in the vehicle, authorities said.

According to authorities, Rivera, Garcia and Perez, residents of Los Angeles County, were placed in Vista’s custody on multiple charges, including evasion of crime, possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools.

Detectives from North Coastal Sheriff’s Station are investigating.