SECAUCUS, NJ – Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated to arrest Randy Severino, 24, of Bayonne, in connection with a series of catalytic converter thefts. The arrest also led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and a loaded 9mm handgun.
On June 16, 2023, the Garfield Police Department alerted other jurisdictions about a suspect vehicle, a white Honda Civic, involved in catalytic converter thefts. At 2:28 A.M., Secaucus Police Officer Jason Mitchell spotted the vehicle on Route 3 East, traveling at over 100 mph. A vehicle pursuit ensued but was terminated when the vehicle was lost in Jersey City. The 2013 Honda Civic was later identified as stolen from Newark in April of 2023.
Detective Sean Egan of the Secaucus Police determined that the same vehicle had been seen in an industrial area of Secaucus earlier that night. Further investigation revealed that Severino had stolen catalytic converters from five businesses in Secaucus.
On September 14, Detective Sergeant Giacomo Sallustio and Detective Egan, along with Detectives from the Bayonne Police Department, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the FBI arrested Severino in Bayonne. Severino exited a Toyota Camry near his home, which was also identified as stolen from Jersey City. Following a brief foot chase, Severino was arrested, and officers recovered a loaded 9mm Taurus Millennium semi-automatic pistol from him.
Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller thanked all participating agencies, stating, “When law enforcement works collaboratively, criminals will not operate with impunity. This arrest is another example that car thieves pose a real threat to our communities.”