California man killed after car runs him over while trying to steal its catalytic converter, police say

A person died Monday after he was run over by a automotive he was attempting to steal a catalytic converter from in Sacramento, California, authorities mentioned.

Officers responded round 4:45 a.m. to reviews of a collision between a car and a pedestrian within the 8100 block of Timberlake Method, Sacramento police instructed Fox Information Digital through e-mail.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT INCREASING ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN 2022

Police mentioned that officers arrived on the scene and located the person with severe accidents. He was rushed to a hospital and was pronounced useless.

The person was recognized as 28-year-old Jose Adolfo Rangel, the Sacramento Bee reported, citing the Sacramento County Coroner’s Workplace.

Investigators mentioned they imagine the suspect was tampering with the car to steal its catalytic converter earlier than the collision.

Catalytic converters are a part of a car’s exhaust system and management emissions. It comprises worthwhile metals that criminals can minimize out in seconds and promote to scrapyards for revenue. Changing a stolen catalytic converter might price a whole bunch, if not hundreds of {dollars}.

Catalytic converter thefts have risen in cities throughout the nation this yr.

Police in Minneapolis have reported an almost 38% bounce in catalytic converter theft in comparison with this time final yr. Dallas has seen a 20% improve, and Philadelphia police have seen a 172% improve. In accordance with Las Vegas Police Division knowledge, officers have seen a roughly 87% hike.

Fox Information’ Mills Hayes contributed to this report.