SAN BRUNO – An attempted catalytic converter theft Monday in San Bruno ended in a high-speed chase and arrest of two East Bay residents, according to police.
The incident happened around 5:40 a.m. in the 200 block of Florida Avenue, San Bruno police said in a news release. The victim told police that one of the suspects pointed a gun at her and ordered her to go back inside her residence.
The suspects then left the scene in a white sport utility vehicle, according to police.
An officer spotted an SUV matching the description of the suspect vehicle near East San Bruno Avenue and Highway 101 and attempted to stop the driver. Police said the driver sped off and attempted to elude officers by driving the wrong way on the highway.
The SUV’s occupants also threw tools and other objects at the pursuing officers, police said.
The chase ended in the 1600 block of Amphlett Boulevard in San Mateo. The suspects fled the SUV but were captured after a brief foot chase, police said.
One of the suspects threw a loaded, unregistered firearm during the foot chase, police said.
An investigation revealed the SUV had been reported stolen, police said, adding that a search of the vehicle also revealed evidence consistent with catalytic converter thefts.
The suspects – identified as a 44-year-old Oakland man and a 44-year-old Pittsburgh woman – were arrested and booked into San Mateo County Jail on charges including assault with a firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle and robbery.
Following the incident, police acknowledged growing concern about catalytic converter thefts in the Bay Area, but urged residents to avoid directly confronting suspects. Instead, police urged residents to immediately call 911 and provide detailed descriptions of the suspects, their vehicle and their last known direction.
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