Two more suspects arrested in Suffolk catalytic converter thefts
Four men accused of stealing catalytic converters across Lindenhurst have been arraigned, after a high-speed chase and new arrests tied the group to multiple thefts.
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Four men from the Bronx are now accused in a string of catalytic converter thefts in Lindenhurst, with prosecutors announcing the arrests of two additional suspects as all four were arraigned on a grand jury indictment.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the men are accused of targeting vehicles across Suffolk County, with investigators saying the thefts escalated earlier this month and culminated in a high-speed police chase that left an officer injured.
Security footage captured one of the incidents on March 7, when prosecutors say the group stole a catalytic converter in Lindenhurst. Court documents indicate three converters were taken that night, including one from a car belonging to the daughter of Lindenhurst resident Joseph Muratore.
“We never even heard it until she went out that morning to go to work,” Muratore said. “She heard the car and called me. I went out there and looked under the car and the catalytic converter was not there.”
Investigators say the group targeted vehicles on North Clinton Avenue, 48th Street and 40th Street, working in a coordinated manner. Police say one person acted as a lookout, another used a jack to lift the vehicle, and a third cut out the converter.
“They go 1, 2, 3 underneath and cut it open in 10 seconds,” said Harvey Unda, a mechanic at Muffler Depot.
Authorities say a patrol unit attempted to stop the suspects, who were driving a Maserati, but the group fled, reaching speeds of more than 90 miles per hour. The pursuit ended after stop sticks were deployed to disable the vehicle. Police say an officer suffered a fractured ankle during the chase.
Henry Cruz, 25, and Luis Acosta, 24, were arrested shortly after the March 7 incident. Jeorge Sanchez, 34, and Madinson Ventura, 27, were taken into custody on March 19, nearly two weeks later.
Muratore said he hopes victims can recover financially, though he knows it may not be possible.
“I wish there was a way she could get her money back or something like that,” he said. “But I know there’s not.”
Mechanics say the cost of replacing a catalytic converter can be significant, often running thousands of dollars, depending on the vehicle.
"The catalytic converter is $4,500 or $4,000. Universal is half price," Unda said.
All four men are due back in court next month. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison.
