Cops arrest suspect in catalytic converter thefts

BROOKFIELD — Warrants served Monday in connection to an investigation involving catalytic converter thefts uncovered firearms, large capacity magazines, suspected narcotics and cash counting machines, Brookfield police announced Wednesday.

According to a statement from the department, Brookfield detectives joined members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Danbury Police Detective Bureau and Special Investigations Division, and the Waterbury and Bridgeport police departments, in executing four search and seizure warrants simultaneously on Monday, leading to the seizure of the vehicle and the arrest of its owner, 28-year-old Dmetrius Cash Johnson.

Police said the arrest was made in Bridgeport without incident, but the department’s statement noted the set of warrants uncovered the additional items, which included scales, “and other items of evidentiary value.”

“The arrest is part of a continuing investigation, and additional charges are expected to be filed,” Brookfield police said.

At the start of the year, Brookfield police described a “significant increase in daytime catalytic converter thefts” in the town. Through “various investigative techniques, including search warrants, surveillance, and collaborative efforts with the Danbury Police Department,” police eventually located and positively identified at least one suspect vehicle, a black 2016 Honda Accord.

Catalytic converters are devices that control vehicle exhaust emissions by converting toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas. They are appealing targets for thefts because they contain precious metals like platinum, palladium and rhodium, which sell for high prices.

Under state law that took effect July 1, a person can only sell one catalytic converter per day to a scrap metal dealer. Dealers can only pay by check and must submit converter sales information weekly to State Police.