Media Contact:  Sgt. Hauptmann
Office: 818-937-8888
Cell: 818-299-1565
Email: GPDPIO@Glendaleca.gov

Two Males Arrested During Attempted Theft of a Catalytic Converter

On Friday, November 13, 2020, at approximately 6:00 a.m., patrol officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Glenvia St regarding a catalytic converter theft in progress.  It was reported that a male was underneath a parked vehicle at the location, drilling could be heard and the vehicle’s alarm was going off.  A description of the suspect’s vehicle was given and it was reported to be parked in front of the victim’s vehicle.

Officers quickly arrived on scene and located two males seated in a vehicle that matched the description of the suspect vehicle and was stopped near the victim’s vehicle.  The male seated in the driver seat (later identified as 42-year-old Juan Laragutierrez of Los Angeles) and the male seated in the front passenger seat (later identified as 35-year-old Mario Albareangalopez of Los Angeles) were both detained without incident.

Officers discovered the victim’s vehicle was still propped up with a car jack and could see that one side of its catalytic converter had already been freshly cut.  During a search of the suspect vehicle officers located another catalytic converter that had been cut-off from a vehicle, a reciprocating saw, approximately 39 new and used reciprocating saw blades, gloves and various other tools.   

Both Laragutierrez and Albareangalopez were arrested and booked for multiple charges including grand theft, vehicle tampering and possession of burglary tools.

Glendale, known as the “Jewel City,” is one of the largest cities in Los Angeles County. With a population of over 200,000, Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and offers limitless opportunities. It is the home to a vibrant business community, with major companies in healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, and banking.

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