What started as a series of early-morning thefts in Lindenhurst quickly escalated into a high-speed pursuit and a serious injury to a police officer, according to Suffolk County prosecutors.
Four men from the Bronx have been indicted in connection with multiple catalytic converter thefts that allegedly took place on March 7, 2026. Authorities say the group drove through residential areas targeting parked vehicles, often Toyota Prius models, using a coordinated approach to remove the parts.
Investigators allege the group used a 2021 Maserati Levante to move from car to car, shutting off headlights before stopping. One person would act as a lookout while others lifted vehicles and used power tools to cut out the catalytic converters before moving on to the next target.
At around 4:37 a.m., a Suffolk County police patrol attempted to stop the vehicle. Prosecutors say the driver did not comply, leading officers onto the westbound Southern State Parkway at speeds exceeding 90 mph.
The pursuit ended when officers deployed stop sticks, disabling the vehicle. All four individuals allegedly fled on foot. During the chase, a responding officer fell and suffered a fractured ankle that required emergency surgery at Stony Brook University Hospital.
Two of the suspects were taken into custody at the scene, while the other two were later located and arrested at a Bronx hotel on March 19 following an investigation. One of the defendants was also wanted in connection with a prior catalytic converter theft in Lindenhurst in 2023.
All four defendants were arraigned on April 1 and face multiple felony charges, including assault on a police officer and auto stripping. If convicted on the top charge, they could face up to 15 years in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Photos: SCDA.
