Ventura County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that four suspects were taken into custody after a catalytic converter theft investigation culminated in a high‑speed pursuit and a crash on a Camarillo freeway on‑ramp.
Investigation traced theft to a suspect vehicle
The probe began when a resident reported a catalytic converter missing from their vehicle during the day. Surveillance footage captured a pickup believed to be involved, prompting detectives to monitor the vehicle as it traveled from Oxnard toward Ventura.
When deputies attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, leading officers to initiate a brief pursuit. The suspect lost control while trying to merge onto a freeway on‑ramp, striking a fence and bringing the chase to an abrupt end.
Arrests and charges
Inside the vehicle were two men and two women, all of whom were arrested at the scene and later booked into the Ventura County Jail. The individuals identified are:
- Mark Arnero‑Galvan, 41, of Fontana
- Esmeralda Orozco, 31, of Bloomington
- Jeffrey Marshall, 35, of Los Angeles
- Fernanda Herrera, 40, of Rialto
Each faces charges of grand theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance.
Recovered property and ongoing efforts
Detectives with the Ventura County Organized Retail Theft Task Force recovered three catalytic converters during the operation. Two were found inside the suspects’ vehicle, and a third was discovered in a motel room in Camarillo.
The task force continues to investigate related organized retail theft, vehicle‑parts theft, and cargo theft throughout the county. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the task force at 805‑383‑8703 or Crime Stoppers at 800‑222‑8477. Callers may remain anonymous.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
