RPD NEWS RELEASE
Today members of the Crime Suppression Team conducted an plain-clothes surveillance operation targeting suspects in catalytic converter thefts from Dodge and Toyota trucks and sport utility vehicles in the area of Vassar and Market St. This operation was in response to an increasing number of these thefts occurring.
During the operation, a group of four individuals were seen checking vehicles in business parking lots. While in the parking lot of one of the businesses, one of the individuals removed a catalytic converter from a vehicle while the others acted as look-outs. They all returned to a vehicle and drove out of the parking lot. A traffic stop was conducted and the catalytic converter was located in the trunk of the vehicle.
All four individuals involved were arrested without incident, and the catalytic converter was returned to the owner. This group is from Stockton and are responsible for similar type crimes in that area as well.
The Reno Police Department would like to remind citizens to park in well-lit areas if possible and to contact police if they see anyone acting suspiciously near or under a vehicle. Citizens may be able to protect their vehicles from catalytic converter theft by installing aftermarket devices designed to prevent the theft or to make it more difficult for the catalytic converter to be removed.
Arrested:
Rhota Vin, 24, charged with Grand Larceny, Conspiracy, Possession of Burglary Tools, Identity Theft
Thaveesak Kham, 23, charged with Grand Larceny, Conspiracy, Possession of Burglary Tools, Identity Theft
Hien Thang Dao, 28, charged with Grand Larceny, Conspiracy, Possession of Burglary Tools, Identity Theft, Possession of Methamphetamine
Mariya Loera, 20, charged with Grand Larceny, Conspiracy, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Anyone having information relating to these crime or the suspect(s) should contact the Reno Police Department at 334-2115, Secret Witness at 322-4900 or www.secretwitness.com, or text the tip to 847411 (TIP 411) keyword – SW.
