A man was fatally stabbed early Friday morning in South El Monte, allegedly stealing a catalytic converter of a vehicle, authorities said
Deputies were called to the 1100 block of Thienes Avenue at 2:51 a.m., where they found the victim, according to the Sheriff’s Information Office.
The man, aged 45 to 50, died at the scene. Information about his identity was not immediately available.
The robbery was captured in broad daylight by a security camera from the house where he was parked. The suspect fled.
“Investigators have learned that the deceased and possibly two other suspects attempted to steal parts from a vehicle parked in the driveway of the location,” a sheriff’s statement said.
Authorities say the resident confronted the suspect and his accomplices when he discovered the attempted robbery, a sheriff’s lieutenant told reporters at the scene.
“The owner said while he was sleeping he heard people in his driveway maybe trying to steal the catalytic converter from his car and he confronted them there and the stay happened,” said Lt. Michael Gomez of the Los County Sheriff’s Department.
The other suspects, authorities said, were last seen getting into a small compact vehicle and driving east on Thienes Avenue and out of sight.
Anyone with information about the stabbings is asked to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
Anonymous calls can be made to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. Information can be sent to lacrimestoppers.org.
Catalytic converter theft has become a nightmare for many vehicle owners. That’s why Governor Gavin Newson signed two amendments to the law on Sunday to prevent this crime from happening again.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts have increased by 1,215% between 2019 and 2021. State Farm, the state’s largest auto insurer, says it has paid out $62 million in claims for theft of catalytic converters. 2021. And the company says this year is shaping up to be worse.
Late last year, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law legislation increasing penalties for theft of catalytic converters and makes it difficult for anyone other than the vehicle owner or an authorized dealer to purchase the part.