Shots Fired After Car Part Stolen In Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Santa Cruz police are investigating a report of shots fired following a catalytic converter theft.

There were no injuries and no arrests were made. Police have not identified the thieves.

The call came in around 5:40 a.m. Wednesday after someone saw two men underneath a Toyota Prius apparently trying to remove a catalytic converter in the 500 block of Frederick Street, police said.

Catalytic converters are a high-value item that control exhaust emissions and can be stolen in less than five minutes and traded for cash online, at a chop shop or at a metal recycler. Low-emission Priuses are a common target for catalytic converter thefts.

The witness yelled at the men as they drove by him and soon after heard three shots fired, police said. Officers who arrived moments later found shell casings. It's unclear if the men intended to strike anyone.

The men were driving a dark gray 2010 to 2015 Toyota Prius that was last seen heading southbound on Frederick Street toward Broadway, police said. Both men were wearing masks. One man appeared to be about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and wore a flannel shirt, according to a witness.

Police have seen about 43 catalytic converter thefts this year and believe that thieves may be coming from other areas to steal car parts. In one case, thieves led police on a chase toward San Jose.

Police suggested that residents install home surveillance systems and motion-activated lights or park their cars in well-lit areas in order to avoid falling victim to these thefts.

Detectives continued to investigate the case and collect evidence. Anyone with information or video surveillance in the area of Frederick Street and Broadway was asked to contact Detective Taylor Trueblood at 831-420-5837 or email video to ctrueblood@cityofsantacruz.com. Anonymous tips may be left at 831-420-5995.

Anyone with information about catalytic converter thefts in general may contact investigators at 831-420-5820 or leave information on the tipline at 831-420-5995.