Two Sacramento men were arrested today in connection with the theft of a catalytic converter from a disabled vehicle left on Highway 99.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Officer Scott Pierson, at the beginning of his shift, observed a disabled and abandoned Volkswagen Cabriolet on northbound Highway 99 south of 47th Avenue. He stopped to check the vehicle, noticed a flat tire on the left side and left a freeway warning tag on the car.
About 11:15 a.m., he observed that someone had worked on the vehicle, with the right side of the car raised in the air. Because the flat tire was on the left side, this seemed unusual.
As Pierson approached the Volkswagen to offer assistance, he saw a Chevrolet Blazer being driven away from the abandoned vehicle. The officer stopped the Blazer and contacted the two occupants to ask them about the status of the Volkswagen and whether they needed help.
It was then determined that the men did not own the Volkswagen, and the officer found the Volkswagen's catalytic converter in the back seat of the Blazer, along with a battery-powered saw and miscellaneous mechanics tools, according to a CHP news release.
Anthony Espejo, 38, and James Beacham Jr., 53, were taken into custody without incident. Officials said a search of the Blazer turned up several hypodermic needles and drug paraphernalia.
Both men were booked into Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of theft and warrants.
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