Suspected Catalytic Converter Thief Arrested After Breaking Minor Traffic Law

A grand theft suspect was arrested Monday after a stolen catalytic converter was found in his vehicle following the suspect throwing a lit cigarette from his car after a Newhall traffic stop.

Around 2:30 a.m. Monday, a deputy patrolling Wiley Canyon Road and Lyons Avenue in Newhall observed a vehicle not adhering to vehicle code, said Deputy Natalie Arriaga, spokesperson for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

“During a traffic stop, the deputy observed the driver dispose of a cigarette improperly, prior to being contacted,” Arriaga said.

As the deputy contacted the driver, the deputy learned he did not have a valid driver’s license, according to Arriaga.

“During a search of the vehicle, the deputy located tools similar for use of theft, a freshly cut catalytic converter, narcotics and drug paraphernalia,” Arriaga said.

Jonathan Castillo, 32, from Los Angeles, was arrested for felony grand theft, possession of a controlled substance, burglary tools, paraphernalia and driving on a suspended license, all misdemeanors and throwing a lighted substance from a vehicle, an infraction, Arriaga added.

Castillo was arrested and transported to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station jail with bail set at $0, according to arrest records.

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