Watch live: Catalytic converter thefts at center of hearing; authorities aim to define whatโs needed to stop crimes, related violence
The local Senate Committee on Criminal Justice will hold a hearing in attempt to tackle catalytic converter theft in Houston. Sen. John Whitmire and members of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, including other invited guests, will hold an interim hearing in Houston to determine what actions are needed to aid law enforcement and stop catalytic converter theft and its related violence. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the Texas Department of Transportation Houston District Headquarters.
โThis is an industry that has to be shut downโ: State legislature to address rise in catalytic converter thefts
As Chair of the State Legislatureโs Criminal Justice Committee, Senator John Whitmire, D-Houston, is researching, reviewing, and preparing for next yearโs legislative session where he hopes to address the rise in catalytic converter thefts.
Officer clipped by patrol car while chasing down catalytic converter thieves in SW Houston, HPD says
An officer with the Houston Police Department is recovering after police said he was clipped by a patrol car while chasing down suspects in southwest Houston that were stealing catalytic converters. According to authorities, the officer sustained a minor injury.
Thief targets Katy nonprofit that helps kids by stealing exhaust emission device from 4 buses
โI think you can still drive it but itโs an emissions issue there not going to pass inspection without the converters,โ said Fred Shafer, president of The Arc of Katy. The Catalytic Converter is an exhaust emission control device that reduces toxic gases. Shafer said they believe were cut out from under the buses sometime over the weekend and have since filed a police report with the Katy police department. Shafer said the buses were insured but worries about the deductible. They also wanted to give a special thanks to the community who have already donated a thousand dollars to help cover costs.