Catalytic Converter Theft Suspects Caught After Police Search Puts Katy Schools in Lock Out

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

May 12, 2022

By Natalie Cook Clark

Katy ISD put four of their campuses in “lock out” Wednesday after District police and local agencies pursued catalytic converter theft suspects. The suspects were spotted stealing catalytic converters in the Jordan High School parking lot. The same suspects are also accused of stealing from both Cinco Ranch High School and Katy High School.

4 Katy Schools in 'Lock Out' During Police Search

Four Katy ISD campuses were put in “lock out” Wednesday May 11, 2022 from about 3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Katy ISD police requested help of local agencies after two suspects were seen allegedly stealing catalytic converters in Jordan High School (27500 Fulshear Bend Drive) parking lot.

“They asked for help and immediately had Fort Bend County Constable’s Office Precinct 1, FBCSO with their helicopter and Fulshear Police Department,” says Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 1 Chad Norvell.

Suspects Accused of Catalytic Converter Theft at Multiple Katy Schools

According to authorities, the suspects have allegedly stolen catalytic converters previously at Cinco Ranch High School and Katy High School.

Jordan High School, Adams Junior High, Campbell Elementary and Schafer Elementary were all in “lock out” as a precaution. When schools are in lock out no one can exit or enter the campus.

“Some may question why the response for catalytic converter thefts,” says Constable Norvell. “There have been three shooting in the last month involving these thefts.”

No Guns Involved

Constable Norvell says that despite rumors that went up on social media, there were no guns involved yesterday.

Both suspects were arrested after a thorough search near the Cross Creek HEB. Katy ISD confirmed that the suspects were not District students.

Katy ISD parking lots, like other local businesses, continue to see a growing problem of catalytic converter thefts.

“Katy ISD police personnel work hard to investigate such crimes,” says a spokesperson for Katy ISD.

According to the Katy ISD Police Department, most of these crimes occur in a matter of minutes and often involve at least two suspects. One will lookout while the other crawls underneath the vehicle with a mechanical saw to cut out the catalytic converter.

Protect Your Vehicle Katy ISD Police Department offers tips to help Katy ISD and students to prevent being victimized by these thefts.

Park in well-lit areas, especially as the days become shorter and it gets darker earlier
Upgrade car alarms to activate when the vehicle is jacked up on one side
Install a skid plate or large cover to the bottom of your vehicle
If you are able, park in a garage
Etch your VIN or license plate into your converters
Bright high-temp paint (let’s police know converter has been marked)
Aftermarket products like straps or wire cages make it much more difficult for your converter to be

The Houston Police Department shares a video to help residents understand this crime and how best to prevent it.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

Katy residents continue to see a rise in these crimes. A catalytic converter is a device used to reduce exhaust emissions from your vehicle. They are most commonly used on internal combustion engines fueled by petrol or diesel.

They are high theft items because they are valuable to scrap metal dealers. They contain precious metals, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium that can all be sold.

Katy ISD Police urge the public to always report any suspicious activity that is occurring on Katy ISD property. Call them at 281-237-4000.