Men suspected in catalytic converter thefts arrested

Metro Wire Staff

Three men from Minnesota have been arrested after being suspected of attempting to steal a catalytic converter in Stevens Point on Thursday.

Stevens Point police say they have Ter L. Kay, 25, Bo Gay Htoo, 26, and Hsar P. Lay, 37, in custody.

Police were called to the 2300 block of Illinois Ave. at 3:55 a.m. on Dec. 9 when a caller reported occupants of a suspicious vehicle appeared to be attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle.

The man’s security light scared the suspects away and the incident was recorded on his home security camera. A description of the vehicle was distributed to all local law enforcement.

Police found the suspect’s vehicle a short time later at the intersection of Stanley St. and North Point Dr. During the traffic stop, officers found “several catalytic converters” as well as tools used to remove them from vehicles, according to a news release from SPPD.

Police say two victims have been identified in the investigation so far but added the investigation is ongoing.

The three men, who all hail from St. Paul, face charges of theft and criminal damage to property. All three are behind bars at the Portage Co. Jail and will likely face a judge on Friday.