Watch CBS News

4 People Arrested For Stealing Catalytic Converters In Rocklin

ROCKLIN (CBS13) - Four Stockton men were arrested in Rocklin Sunday night for stealing catalytic converters from multiple locations.

Police say they were called out to Century Theaters on Lonetree Boulevard at around 7:20 p.m. Sunday after a movie patron walked into the parking lot with his friends and spotted several people scurry out from under his vehicle, get into another vehicle and drive off.

The man called police and gave a description of the suspects' vehicle. Police spotted the vehicle on Highway 65 as it was leaving Rocklin towards Interstate 80 and pulled it over. One of the men got out of the vehicle and ran towards a creek area near Atlantic Street and Wills Road in Roseville. He was found hiding in bushes and was taken into custody.

Police say the suspects' car had a dozen catalytic converters inside. Also inside, police found tools used to remove the parts.

Benjamin Rodriquez, 32, Lee Marvin Nelson, 21, Brandon Leroy Brockl, 21, and Rhota Vin, 23, are facing charges of grand theft, conspiracy, possession of stolen property, and possession of burglary tools. Vin is also facing the charge of resisting arrest.

As of late Sunday night, four people who were at the theater reported having their catalytic converters stolen.

The suspects allegedly made their rounds in Rocklin, taking at least two of the parts from vehicles parked at a church on Granite Drive.

Police think people may not be aware that their catalytic converters are missing.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.