Guns, catalytic converters, vehicles, and $17K in cash found in auto theft arrests, Pasadena PD says
PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) -- Pasadena police have arrested seven people for their alleged roles in an auto-theft case in parts of Harris County in July. A department spokesperson said it stems from an auto shop operating illegally along Granada Street in Houston's east side.
They say the suspects were putting in stolen vehicle parts onto customers' cars.
The department's auto theft division executed a search warrant at the same address, which led to the connection to thefts and parting out of nine vehicles in Pasadena and the area nearby. Officers also found nine guns, two sets of body armor, approximately $17,000 in cash, 22 removed transmissions, eight removed motors, 20 cut-off catalytic converters, and 28 engine control modules. They also say a total of 29 vehicles were towed.
According to court documents, as part of the investigation, officers were able to connect the suspects to the thefts after finding some of the stolen vehicles at the property on Granada Street, as well as a vehicle used by two of them.
All of the suspects are facing a felony charge of engaging in organized criminal activity.
Pasadena urges people, when going to an auto shop, to verify where any parts being replaced are coming from.
