The Story: A 37-year-old East Point man has been charged with a string of catalytic converter thefts in Forsyth County. During the past few months, Forsyth County and neighboring agencies have received reports of catalytic converters being stolen from vehicles.
Caught In The Act: According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department, a deputy was conducting a business check on Post Road March 9 at about 10 p.m. when he saw a Dodge Durango in the back of the business that was stopped in front of one of the trucks owned by the business.
As the deputy approached, the Durango began to exit the parking lot. The deputy noticed a catalytic converter lying on the ground beside the business truck as the vehicle pulled away.
The Arrest: The deputy attempted a traffic stop on Post Road at Evans Road; however, the suspect fled. After a brief chase, the suspect vehicle crashed on Kelly Mill Road at Wil Ray Lane. After the crash, the driver fled on foot, sheriff’s officials say. A K-9 track was performed and the suspect, 37-year-old Demetrice Frederick of East Point, was located and apprehended.
The Evidence: According to sheriff’s officials, detectives noticed numerous catalytic converters and an extra battery for a DeWalt power tool in plain view in the back of the Durango. Back at the incident location, detectives observed 11 catalytic converters were cut off six trucks. There was also a DeWalt Sawzall located under one of the vehicles, along with spare blades.
Demetrice Frederick was charged with Theft by Taking, Fleeing/Attempting to Elude, Reckless Driving, and Driving While License Suspended. He was transported to the Forsyth County Jail, where he is being held on no bond.
More Information: If you’ve ever wondered why thieves go after catalytic converters, it is because that essential part of your car’s exhaust system actually contains rare metals. Precious metals found inside the converters can include rhodium, palladium and platinum. The catalytic converter is also easy for would-be-thieves to remove. The parts can be sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
