The alleged assailants are facing capital murder charges in the veteran deputys death, according to an April 5 article from the Chronicle. By Hannah Zedaker Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced on April 18 that he would propose an ordinance within 30 days to prohibit the resale of catalytic converters in the city. HOUSTON(CW39) With an increase in catalytic converter thefts around the Harris County area and the country, the County has and enough.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Another theft, announced Monday by the sheriffs office, occurred overnight April 20 at the Fairfield Inn parking lot located at 24485 Interstate 45 in Spring. Local rules also limit businesses to buying only one converter per person per day. Police and scrap metal dealers disagreed on whether this strategy is effective as a deterrent, but police said it could help them identify and solve cases as they review photos of resold converters uploaded by metal recyclers. In March 2019, she transitioned to editor of the Spring/Klein edition and later became the editor of both the Spring/Klein and Lake Houston/Humble/Kingwood editions in June 2021. 2 0 obj <> During the pursuit, the suspects lost control of their vehicle near Gleannloch and Highway 99, said authorities.
Katy family is shocked with quadruplets, now needs bigger van, Feds want to build a massive wind farm off the Galveston coast, Chris Shepherd departing Underbelly Hospitality restaurants. <>
<>
We have passed an ordinance requiring some businesses to install cameras and exterior lighting, and working with Harris County, we passed the 10 percent bail bond measure. 
Earlier this month, Darren Almendarez, an off-duty Harris County sheriff's deputy, died from gunshot wounds in a grocery store parking lot after fighting with two men police said were trying to steala catalytic converter from his truck. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>>
Toyota Prius models from 2004 to 2009 are also targeted because their converters contain higher concentrations of precious metals to compensate for the reduced flow of hot gases from hybrid engines, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Charlie Zong is a reporter on the digital desk. Aside from Texas laws making it illegal to drive vehicles without pollution control devices installed, driving without a catalytic converter is an unpleasant experience. <>
endstream
Authorities stated an investigation is underway, and to avoid the area. But confronting thieves can be deadly, even for experienced officers who work on the crime. But Laviage said the spray paint method has limitations once the precious metals are removed.
What to know as Bakers Dodger days cant thaw Astros icy All-Star reception, HPD called to Finner's home during argument over COVID test, Diamondbacks to part ways with ex-Astros star Dallas Keuchel, Potential rule change for 2023 could have big impact on Astros.
(Courtesy Adobe Stock), Editor, Spring/Klein & Lake Houston/Humble/Kingwood. 2:54 PM May 13, 2022 CDT ", Home 311 Help & Info Contact Us FAQs Privacy Policy CitizensNet, The ordinance will be effective 45 days after it is signed. Authorities said they were declared dead at the scene. This comes as the agency made nine arrests in the last two months related to the stealing of the vehicle emission-controlling devices. The wide range in price is due to the varying quality of converters sold to scrap metal dealers, including those recovered from junk cars. Convenience is another reason why thieves prefer to target catalytic converters, Gamez said. By 2020, theft cases had quadrupled to over 1,400 stolen converters before soaring fivefold to over 7,800 reported thefts in 2021. On March 31, Harris County Sheriffs Deputy Darren Almendarez, 51, was shopping for birthday party supplies at a north Houston grocery store when he was fatally shot after confronting three men in the parking lot stealing the device from his vehicle, according to an April 8 story by the Houston Chronicle. "If you are going to do it, we are going to make it as inconvenient as possible for you.". Citizens who hear a saw being used at night, or in a parking lot, should call law enforcement immediately, read an April 12 statement from the sheriffs office. Seen in this image is a black four-door Cadillac CTS with Texas paper tag No. endobj These new guidelines regulate the reselling of catalytic converters. Authorities stated a third suspect was evacuated via air ambulance and was in critical condition. "There is no question the theft of catalytic converter leads to other violent crimes," said Mayor Turner. Although cars will still function, drivers can tell that their vehicle's converter is missing the moment they turn on the engine from the loud noise that erupts. The answer lies inside the converters, where a honeycomb structure contains small amounts of three precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. ",#(7),01444'9=82. In March alone, the sheriffs office announced the arrests of five men in three separate catalytic converter theft cases. Gamez said anything that makes thieves hesitate could work in favor of owners.
"The thefts have occurred more often for at least the past 5 years.". Most vehicles have just one, but larger cars and trucks can have up to four. 8 0 obj Before the world knew Brittney Griner as the WNBA star at the center of an international scandal, Houston knew her as a local basketball phenom. This is a carousel. In April 2021, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner ordered metal recyclers who purchase catalytic converters to enter the year, make, model, and VIN of the source vehicle into a real-time electronic database on the same day that the converter is purchased. Harris County Attorney Christian D. Meneffe presented an update to the countys metal recycling regulations, to try and address the reselling of stolen catalytic converters. "People need to know that if you steal them, you will pay the price for it," said Mayor Turner. Produced by: Houston Police Department. endobj Meanwhile, palladium currently sells for $2,100 per ounce, while platinum commands $900 per ounce. In the first three months of 2022, the Houston Police Department reported 3,188 catalytic converter thefts, a 123 percent increase from the previous year. More information is available here (.pdf). <>>> The catalytic convertor ordinance is another tool to drive down crime and create a safer city. This is a carousel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 0179J80, according to the agency. A single catalytic converter from an older Toyota Prius can sell for $1,000 or more, the IIHS found. HARRIS COUNTY, TexasSaturday afternoon, constables from the fourth precinct of Harris County attempted to stop individuals suspected of catalytic converter thefts. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. "Itll keep going on until theres no more demand.". A Chronicle article detailed that only two days after Almendarezs killing, suspected catalytic converter thieves fleeing an Humble movie theater used their getaway car to try and run over two off-duty New Caney Independent School District police officers trying to stop them. Hannah joined Community Impact Newspaper as a reporter in May 2016 after graduating with a degree in journalism from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. "I know they're mostly not selling them in Houston," Laviage said. Constables were able to retrieve catalytic converters from the scene. A 2014 black Toyota Camry is suspected in the theft, the sheriffs office noted. But Laviage, whose scrap metal business is located in the Houston city limits, said Turner's gambit is an ineffective strategy because he thinks thieves will simply sell stolen converters elsewhere in Harris County or smuggle them to other cities and states. <> 4 0 obj What to know about soaring Houston catalytic converter thefts in 2022, and how to protect yourself, Brittney Griner's former teammates don't see her as criminal, Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer, Ban on banks that discriminate against guns costs Texas plenty. Jose R. Gonzalez reports on crime, courts and public safety in Montgomery County, just north of Houston.
On April 28, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner proposed a citywide ban on catalytic converters cut apart for their metals. 2:54 PM May 13, 2022 CDT, Catalytic converters contain metals that have increased in price due to supply chain issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Seen in this image is a 2014 black Toyota Camry suspected in an April 20 catalytic converter theft at the Fairfield Inn located at 24485 Interstate 45 in Spring. A loud noise was coming from underneath a vehicle and a male could be seen fleeing the scene in a passenger car, the caller reported. Jose joined the metro desk at the Houston Chronicle at the end of 2017. It's become a fear many Houstonians have when they leave a vehicle unattended: Is a thief coming to crawl underneath and saw off the catalytic converter? Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. What should I do if I test positive for COVID? Days later, a New Caney police officer was injured while trying to arrest three men suspected of catalytic converter theft. Almendarez had spent the year before investigating catalytic converter thefts for the Harris County auto theft unit, the article continued. When will the Texas heat wave end? Upon crashing two suspects were ejected from their vehicle. endobj As thefts continue to rise, the City of Houston is preparing to impose a total ban on sales. "If I was looking at a photograph of a catalytic converter and it was fluorescent pink, that would catch my attention," Gamez said. <> A Houston native, he joined the Houston Chronicle as a summer 2021 intern. $.' died from gunshot wounds in a grocery store parking lot, Houston police officer attacked by dog near Galena Park, Uvalde gunman's mother has fiery exchange with victims family, Jury selection underway for trial of slain Houston sergeant. That year, 375 people reported thefts to Houston police. 7 0 obj Reciprocating saws are typically used to quickly remove the converter. The stolen catalytic converter, along with weapons and narcotics, were all recovered from the vehicle, according to the agency. 0179J80 suspected in the theft of a catalytic converter on April 30 at the Walmart Supercenter on College Park in Conroe.
resulting in deadly confrontations that have killed drivers and police officers. They are required by law to be installed in most vehicles to control pollution.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Another theft, announced Monday by the sheriffs office, occurred overnight April 20 at the Fairfield Inn parking lot located at 24485 Interstate 45 in Spring. Local rules also limit businesses to buying only one converter per person per day. Police and scrap metal dealers disagreed on whether this strategy is effective as a deterrent, but police said it could help them identify and solve cases as they review photos of resold converters uploaded by metal recyclers. In March 2019, she transitioned to editor of the Spring/Klein edition and later became the editor of both the Spring/Klein and Lake Houston/Humble/Kingwood editions in June 2021. 2 0 obj <> During the pursuit, the suspects lost control of their vehicle near Gleannloch and Highway 99, said authorities.
Katy family is shocked with quadruplets, now needs bigger van, Feds want to build a massive wind farm off the Galveston coast, Chris Shepherd departing Underbelly Hospitality restaurants. <>
<>
We have passed an ordinance requiring some businesses to install cameras and exterior lighting, and working with Harris County, we passed the 10 percent bail bond measure. Earlier this month, Darren Almendarez, an off-duty Harris County sheriff's deputy, died from gunshot wounds in a grocery store parking lot after fighting with two men police said were trying to steala catalytic converter from his truck. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>>
Toyota Prius models from 2004 to 2009 are also targeted because their converters contain higher concentrations of precious metals to compensate for the reduced flow of hot gases from hybrid engines, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Charlie Zong is a reporter on the digital desk. Aside from Texas laws making it illegal to drive vehicles without pollution control devices installed, driving without a catalytic converter is an unpleasant experience. <>
endstream
Authorities stated an investigation is underway, and to avoid the area. But confronting thieves can be deadly, even for experienced officers who work on the crime. But Laviage said the spray paint method has limitations once the precious metals are removed. What to know as Bakers Dodger days cant thaw Astros icy All-Star reception, HPD called to Finner's home during argument over COVID test, Diamondbacks to part ways with ex-Astros star Dallas Keuchel, Potential rule change for 2023 could have big impact on Astros.
(Courtesy Adobe Stock), Editor, Spring/Klein & Lake Houston/Humble/Kingwood. 2:54 PM May 13, 2022 CDT ", Home 311 Help & Info Contact Us FAQs Privacy Policy CitizensNet, The ordinance will be effective 45 days after it is signed. Authorities said they were declared dead at the scene. This comes as the agency made nine arrests in the last two months related to the stealing of the vehicle emission-controlling devices. The wide range in price is due to the varying quality of converters sold to scrap metal dealers, including those recovered from junk cars. Convenience is another reason why thieves prefer to target catalytic converters, Gamez said. By 2020, theft cases had quadrupled to over 1,400 stolen converters before soaring fivefold to over 7,800 reported thefts in 2021. On March 31, Harris County Sheriffs Deputy Darren Almendarez, 51, was shopping for birthday party supplies at a north Houston grocery store when he was fatally shot after confronting three men in the parking lot stealing the device from his vehicle, according to an April 8 story by the Houston Chronicle. "If you are going to do it, we are going to make it as inconvenient as possible for you.". Citizens who hear a saw being used at night, or in a parking lot, should call law enforcement immediately, read an April 12 statement from the sheriffs office. Seen in this image is a black four-door Cadillac CTS with Texas paper tag No. endobj These new guidelines regulate the reselling of catalytic converters. Authorities stated a third suspect was evacuated via air ambulance and was in critical condition. "There is no question the theft of catalytic converter leads to other violent crimes," said Mayor Turner. Although cars will still function, drivers can tell that their vehicle's converter is missing the moment they turn on the engine from the loud noise that erupts. The answer lies inside the converters, where a honeycomb structure contains small amounts of three precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. ",#(7),01444'9=82. In March alone, the sheriffs office announced the arrests of five men in three separate catalytic converter theft cases. Gamez said anything that makes thieves hesitate could work in favor of owners.
"The thefts have occurred more often for at least the past 5 years.". Most vehicles have just one, but larger cars and trucks can have up to four. 8 0 obj Before the world knew Brittney Griner as the WNBA star at the center of an international scandal, Houston knew her as a local basketball phenom. This is a carousel. In April 2021, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner ordered metal recyclers who purchase catalytic converters to enter the year, make, model, and VIN of the source vehicle into a real-time electronic database on the same day that the converter is purchased. Harris County Attorney Christian D. Meneffe presented an update to the countys metal recycling regulations, to try and address the reselling of stolen catalytic converters. "People need to know that if you steal them, you will pay the price for it," said Mayor Turner. Produced by: Houston Police Department. endobj Meanwhile, palladium currently sells for $2,100 per ounce, while platinum commands $900 per ounce. In the first three months of 2022, the Houston Police Department reported 3,188 catalytic converter thefts, a 123 percent increase from the previous year. More information is available here (.pdf). <>>> The catalytic convertor ordinance is another tool to drive down crime and create a safer city. This is a carousel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 0179J80, according to the agency. A single catalytic converter from an older Toyota Prius can sell for $1,000 or more, the IIHS found. HARRIS COUNTY, TexasSaturday afternoon, constables from the fourth precinct of Harris County attempted to stop individuals suspected of catalytic converter thefts. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. "Itll keep going on until theres no more demand.". A Chronicle article detailed that only two days after Almendarezs killing, suspected catalytic converter thieves fleeing an Humble movie theater used their getaway car to try and run over two off-duty New Caney Independent School District police officers trying to stop them. Hannah joined Community Impact Newspaper as a reporter in May 2016 after graduating with a degree in journalism from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. "I know they're mostly not selling them in Houston," Laviage said. Constables were able to retrieve catalytic converters from the scene. A 2014 black Toyota Camry is suspected in the theft, the sheriffs office noted. But Laviage, whose scrap metal business is located in the Houston city limits, said Turner's gambit is an ineffective strategy because he thinks thieves will simply sell stolen converters elsewhere in Harris County or smuggle them to other cities and states. <> 4 0 obj What to know about soaring Houston catalytic converter thefts in 2022, and how to protect yourself, Brittney Griner's former teammates don't see her as criminal, Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer, Ban on banks that discriminate against guns costs Texas plenty. Jose R. Gonzalez reports on crime, courts and public safety in Montgomery County, just north of Houston.
On April 28, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner proposed a citywide ban on catalytic converters cut apart for their metals. 2:54 PM May 13, 2022 CDT, Catalytic converters contain metals that have increased in price due to supply chain issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Seen in this image is a 2014 black Toyota Camry suspected in an April 20 catalytic converter theft at the Fairfield Inn located at 24485 Interstate 45 in Spring. A loud noise was coming from underneath a vehicle and a male could be seen fleeing the scene in a passenger car, the caller reported. Jose joined the metro desk at the Houston Chronicle at the end of 2017. It's become a fear many Houstonians have when they leave a vehicle unattended: Is a thief coming to crawl underneath and saw off the catalytic converter? Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. What should I do if I test positive for COVID? Days later, a New Caney police officer was injured while trying to arrest three men suspected of catalytic converter theft. Almendarez had spent the year before investigating catalytic converter thefts for the Harris County auto theft unit, the article continued. When will the Texas heat wave end? Upon crashing two suspects were ejected from their vehicle. endobj As thefts continue to rise, the City of Houston is preparing to impose a total ban on sales. "If I was looking at a photograph of a catalytic converter and it was fluorescent pink, that would catch my attention," Gamez said. <> A Houston native, he joined the Houston Chronicle as a summer 2021 intern. $.' died from gunshot wounds in a grocery store parking lot, Houston police officer attacked by dog near Galena Park, Uvalde gunman's mother has fiery exchange with victims family, Jury selection underway for trial of slain Houston sergeant. That year, 375 people reported thefts to Houston police. 7 0 obj Reciprocating saws are typically used to quickly remove the converter. The stolen catalytic converter, along with weapons and narcotics, were all recovered from the vehicle, according to the agency. 0179J80 suspected in the theft of a catalytic converter on April 30 at the Walmart Supercenter on College Park in Conroe.
resulting in deadly confrontations that have killed drivers and police officers. They are required by law to be installed in most vehicles to control pollution.