Suffolk County Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Busted

Four men from the Bronx have been arraigned on grand jury indictments related to a string of catalytic converter thefts across Lindenhurst and Suffolk County. The arrests follow a period of escalating thefts and a high-speed police chase that left one officer injured.

Details of the Arrests and Indictments

Henry Cruz, 25, and Luis Acosta, 24, were initially arrested shortly after a theft incident on March 7th. Jeorge Sanchez, 34, and Madinson Ventura, 27, were apprehended on March 19th, nearly two weeks later, bringing the total number of suspects to four.

The March 7th Incident and Police Chase

Prosecutors state that security footage captured the group stealing a catalytic converter in Lindenhurst on March 7th. During an attempted traffic stop, the suspects fled in a Maserati, reaching speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour. The chase concluded when stop sticks were deployed, disabling the vehicle.

Impact on Residents and Local Businesses

The thefts impacted multiple residents, including Lindenhurst resident Joseph Muratore, whose daughter’s car was targeted. “We never even heard it until she went out that morning to go to work,” Muratore stated. “She heard the car and called me. I went out there and looked under the car and the catalytic converter was not there.”

How the Thefts Were Executed

Investigators report the group operated with a coordinated strategy. One person acted as a lookout, while another used a jack to lift the vehicle, and a third quickly cut out the catalytic converter. Harvey Unda, a mechanic at Muffler Depot, described the process: “They go 1, 2, 3 underneath and cut it open in 10 seconds.”

Potential Penalties and Next Steps

The four men are accused of targeting vehicles on North Clinton Avenue, 48th Street, and 40th Street. If convicted, they each face up to 15 years in prison. All four are scheduled to return to court next month.