A man was killed trying to stop Inglewood catalytic converter theft. Two suspects have been arrested

Two men have been arrested in Inglewood in connection with the fatal shooting of Juan "Johnny" Sanchez, who was killed while attempting to stop a catalytic converter theft. The suspects, identified as Wilver Alberto Rabanales, 40, and another man whose age has yet to be released, were taken into custody after police executed a search warrant at a motel in Cudahy. Rabanales is currently held on a $2 million bail, with court proceedings scheduled for Monday.

The tragic incident occurred early on February 25 when Sanchez, 48, confronted the thieves attempting to steal a neighbor's catalytic converter. One of the suspects shot him in the chest during the confrontation. Following the shooting, Inglewood police utilized surveillance footage to begin tracking the assailants, with significant community assistance in identifying them.

Sanchez's family has expressed their grief, highlighting his roles as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. A GoFundMe campaign established in his memory has raised over $44,500, reflecting the profound impact he had on those around him. His family described him as someone who consistently prioritized others and whose generosity and kindness will be sorely missed.

Catalytic converter theft has become a significant issue in Southern California, driven by the high value of the metals found within these devices. The nature of these thefts makes them particularly challenging to prevent, as the crime can be committed in a matter of minutes, often leaving law enforcement with few leads to follow. In response, police departments have initiated programs to etch identification numbers onto converters, and new legislation has been introduced to deter such crimes.

The problem of catalytic converter theft is not isolated to this case; it has resulted in numerous incidents across the region, including a tragic case last year where "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot while trying to intervene in a similar theft. With data indicating over 2,100 catalytic converters stolen in Los Angeles alone through mid-2024, the issue remains a pressing concern for both law enforcement and communities affected by these crimes.