Man shot, killed after interrupting theft of catalytic converter from his vehicle in downtown LA

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (CNS) — A man was fatally shot Saturday morning by one of three suspects who were allegedly stealing the catalytic converter from his vehicle in downtown Los Angeles, authorities said.

The victim, believed to be in his 30s, observed the suspects trying to remove the catalytic converter from his vehicle around 3 a.m. in the area of ​​West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street, according to Los Angeles police.

One of the suspects shot the victim, then the trio fled. Police were dispatched to the scene around 3:15 a.m. Paramedics transported the shooting victim to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

No description of the suspects was immediately available.

Catalytic converters are prime targets for thieves because they are rich in precious metals that can be resold.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting was asked to call the LAPD Central Station at (213) 486-6606. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.