2nd Chicago man charged for trying to steal catalytic converter in Bloomington – The Pantagraph
John Fermon, BPD’s public information officer, said police were dispatched around 1 a.m. Friday to the Traditions Apartments complex on Valley View Circle after suspects were seen looking under cars.
He said officers didn’t find anyone at first, but found three suspects after they were called back out around 5 a.m. that morning. Fermon said two fled on foot and one drove away.
The suspect who drove off was identified by Fermon as Jonathan Wiley, 30. The public information officer added as Wiley fled, he hit another vehicle car in the parking lot. The Chicago man was ticketed for leaving the scene of a crash, driving while license suspended and driving with suspended registration, Fermon said.
The two are charged with attempted possession or sale of stolen car parts and resisting a police officer, the police officer said.
Fermon said both suspects have since bonded out and are no longer in custody.
National Insurance Crime Bureau recorded claims for catalytic converter thefts quadrupled in 2020 from the year prior. The report said thieves may get $50-$300 selling them for the rare metals they hold.
Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison
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