Man Crushed While Stealing Catalytic Converter: Police

ANAHEIM (CNS) - A suspected thief crushed to death by a Toyota Prius as he was apparently trying to steal its catalytic converter was identified Friday by the Orange County coroner's office.

Officers were called to the 1600 block of North Placentia Avenue at about 6:20 a.m. Wednesday, according to Sgt. Shane Carringer of the Anaheim Police Department.

When they arrived they saw 36-year-old Christopher Haas under the car, Carringer said. Haas apparently was trying to steal the catalytic converter from the car when the jack he was using failed and was crushed under the weight of the vehicle, Carringer said.

Authorities say catalytic converter thefts are on the rise as thieves seek metals in the car parts they can sell.

— City News Service