Tipster Helps Return A Dozen Alleged Stolen Catalytic Converters

Oklahoma City police continued its crackdown on a catalytic converter theft spree this week. A late-night caller tipped police off to men who broke into cars at a northwest OKC apartment complex. 

Police pulled over the Toyota near the complex. When they opened the trunk, officers found a dozen stolen catalytic converters.

A resident at the Augusta Apartments called 911 around 3 a.m. Tuesday after they saw the suspects in the parking lot with tools in hand.

As officers responded to the scene, the suspects got in their car and drove away.

Police caught up to the grey Toyota. Inside, they found Deshaun Sims-Dials, Terrance Simon, and Jameelah Tate-Jackson -- along with saws – as well as a dozen, freshly-cut catalytic converters.

Police said the three came to Oklahoma City from Houston specifically to steal converters. 

Officers also found a three-year-old boy in the back seat of the car.

Metal scrap yards said the parts can be bought back for anywhere from $5 to $1,000. The cost is dependent on how much platinum is inside the part. Replacements can cost over $1,200.

The department said the twelve theft victims can thank their watchful neighbor for getting their car parts back.

"Somebody from the public saw it going on took the time to call 911," Oklahoma City Police Department Master Sergeant Gary Knight said. “Especially if somebody is looking under a car or something like that, they're probably up to no good."

All three suspects were arrested on concealing stolen property, conspiracy to commit a felony and malicious injury to property complaints.