Thousands of Catalytic Converters Worth Over $500K Seized in Norwalk Bust

Four suspects arrested in connection with organized theft operation impacting communities across the region.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:50am

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Baldwin Park Police announced the discovery of more than 1,800 stolen catalytic converters, worth over $500,000, during a months-long investigation that led to the arrest of four suspects in Norwalk. The investigation began in June 2025 after a spike in catalytic converter thefts in Baldwin Park, with police finding the stolen parts were being purchased at a site in South Los Angeles and stored at a location in Norwalk.

Why it matters

Catalytic converter thefts have become an increasingly common and costly problem for vehicle owners across California, with the parts often targeted due to the valuable precious metals they contain. This bust disrupts a major organized theft operation impacting communities throughout the region.

The details

On Tuesday, March 31, Baldwin Park police and other law enforcement agencies raided the Norwalk storage location and arrested four people suspected of selling and purchasing the stolen catalytic converters. One suspect fled the scene, leaving behind a child who police were able to reunite with a parent. The investigation is ongoing, and police expect to make more arrests.

  • The investigation began in June 2025 after a spike in catalytic converter thefts in Baldwin Park.
  • The raid and arrests took place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Baldwin Park Police Department

The law enforcement agency that launched the investigation and conducted the raid in Norwalk, disrupting an organized catalytic converter theft operation.

Four Suspects

Individuals arrested on suspicion of selling and purchasing the stolen catalytic converters found at the Norwalk storage location.

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What they’re saying

“The investigation is ongoing and police expect to make more arrests.”

— Baldwin Park Police Department

What’s next

Police are still searching for the suspect who fled the scene, leaving behind a child. The investigation is expected to continue, with the potential for additional arrests.

The takeaway

This bust represents a significant disruption to an organized catalytic converter theft operation impacting communities across the region, highlighting the growing problem of these costly thefts and the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat this criminal activity.