Catalytic Converter Theft Suspects Charged

ROYAL OAK, MI — Two Ohio men have been charged with multiple felonies in connection with the theft of catalytic converters in Royal Oak. The duo were apprehended early Tuesday morning after police were tipped off about a theft in progress in the 300 block of N. Troy Street, reports said.

Jowan McNeal and Darrell Boykins were arraigned Thursday at 44th District Court on numerous charges. Each was given a $30,000 cash/no 10 percent bond and will appear at the district court on Dec. 12 for probable cause hearings.

Police said McNeal and Boykins could be linked to thefts across southern Michigan and are continuing to work to identify the owners of remaining stolen auto parts recovered after their arrest. Both men have extensive criminal histories, according to reports.

Police received a call at about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. Officers found McNeal and Boykins attempting to walk away from the area on Troy, adjacent to the Emagine Theater. As officers apprehended McNeal, Boykins ran from officers, reports said.

Police pursued him through several yards where he attempted to hide. A resident observed Boykins hiding in a yard and alerted officers as they gave chase.

Boykins tried to get into a vehicle before officers were able to stop and arrest him, reports said. Officers discovered Boykins in possession of saw-z-all blades and located a saw-zall, additional saw blades, and 10 cut catalytic converters inside the car. A floor jack was also located near the vehicle, reports said.

Investigators matched one of the stolen catalytic converters to a victim’s vehicle in the 2800 block of Rochester Road in Royal Oak.

McNeal is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit larceny from a motor vehicle and one count of larceny from a motor vehicle. Both charges are felonies which carry a penalty of up to five years in prison.

McNeal is also charged with one count of attempted larceny from a motor vehicle, a felony which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison. His criminal history includes convictions from Maryland and Ohio for felony escape, identity theft, obstructing government operations, and delivery of narcotics. McNeal has several outstanding warrants for his arrest in Michigan.

Boykins is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit larceny from a motor vehicle and one count of larceny from a motor vehicle. Both charges are felonies which carry a penalty of up to five years in prison, one count of attempted larceny from a motor vehicle, a felony which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, and one one count of obstructing a police officer, a felony which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison.

Boykins criminal history includes convictions out of Ohio, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Maryland for theft, possession of criminal tools, possession of narcotics, motor vehicle theft, identity fraud, domestic assault, drug trafficking, and escape.

Photos courtesy of the Royal Oak Police Department