WILMINGTON, DE – Catalytic converters are easy targets for thieves and can fetch a few hundred dollars on the open market. As the U.S. economy sours, catalytic converter theft has increased.
This week, the Delaware State Police arrested 55-year-old Harry Anderson of Wilmington, DE on numerous criminal charges following a theft investigation that began on Monday morning.
According to police, on Tuesday at approximately 3:00 a.m., troopers observed a male subject walking away from Gaz Auto Repair, located at 3400 Old Capitol Trail in Wilmington.
“The business was closed at this time and the male subject was carrying a reciprocating saw. When troopers attempted to contact the subject, he discarded the saw and began fleeing from the area on foot,” police said. “Troopers gave chase and soon afterward took the fleeing individual, identified as Harry Anderson, into custody without further incident. The ensuing investigation revealed that Anderson had utilized the saw to cut catalytic converters off several vehicles at Gaz Auto Repair.”
It was also determined that Anderson was the suspect who had committed four other commercial burglaries in the Wilmington area throughout June and July.
Anderson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court # 2 and released on $20,700 unsecured bond.