On New Year’s Day, two suspects thought they would be “cool cats” and steal catalytic converters from cars, according to the Irvine Police Department.
Police officers learned that the suspects’ vehicle, which had been involved in a theft a few days earlier, was in town.
The police officers tracked the suspects down in Westpark and found four freshly cut catalytic converters, a Sawzall, narcotics, and a floor jack in their car.
Eric Gregory Hoppenstand, 41, of Los Angeles, was arrested for unlawful possession of a catalytic converter, drug paraphernalia, and narcotics. Alberto Carrillo, 38, of Los Angeles, was arrested for an outstanding warrant and unlawful possession of a catalytic converter. Eric and Alberto kicked off the New Year at the Orange County Jail.
Yesterday, p;olice detectives matched a catalytic converter to a victim’s vehicle and returned it to them.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives will contact potential victims.
