Burbank Police Department News Release: Catalytic Converter Thieves Caught in Act

Burbank, CA (June 28, 2023) – A man and woman have been arrested for stealing a catalytic converter in Burbank. 

The incident occurred on June 27, 2023. At about 3:25 a.m., Burbank Police responded to the 1400 block of North Naomi Street regarding a report of a catalytic converter theft in progress.

When officers arrived, they spoke with the victim, who said he was inside his home and heard what he believed to be the sound of grinding metal.  The victim opened his front door and saw a man standing next to the hood of his Toyota Sequoia, as well as a second person underneath his vehicle, which led him to believe the suspects were in the process of stealing his catalytic converter.  The two suspects quickly fled in a vehicle.  The victim looked under his vehicle and confirmed his catalytic converter had been stolen. 

Officers searched the surrounding area and quickly apprehended the two suspects in the described vehicle as they made their way toward the freeway.

During a search of the suspect’s vehicle, officers located a reciprocating saw, a cut catalytic converter, and evidence further indicating the two were involved in the crime of stealing catalytic converters. 

The suspects have been identified as 18-year-old Nancy Guevara-Lopez and 27-year-old Guillermo Martinez-Fabian, both residents of Los Angeles.  Ms. Guevara-Lopez and Mr. Martinez-Fabian were arrested and booked for grand theft, a felony, and are each being held in lieu of a $20,000 bond.  They are due to appear in court on June 29, 2023.

Formal charges are pending review by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. 

###

Questions regarding this statement should be directed to Sergeant Brent Fekety at (818) 238-3240 or [email protected]