Miami Springs Police arrested 44 year old Francisco Hernandez Lozano on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, for allegedly detaching and stealing the catalytic converter from a vehicle in Miami Springs.
According to Miami Springs Police, they received a call from a resident that lives in an apartment complex along the 300 block of South Royal Poinciana Boulevard. The caller reported seeing a person going underneath his friend’s van and was concerned they were trying to steal something from the vehicle. His assumption would later be proven correct.
Miami Springs Police arrived at the scene just as the suspect was observed leaving the complex parking lot. Fortunately, the caller was able to flag down the Miami Springs Officers and point out the fleeing vehicle.
Miami Springs Police were able to catch up to the suspect on the East 4th Avenue Bridge / East Drive. The Police were able to stop the vehicle and detain the three occupants that were inside the vehicle without incident.
The caller was able to identify one of the occupants as the alleged man seen under the van. A Police search of the vehicle reportedly revealed the alleged stolen catalytic converter located where the suspect had been sitting inside the van. As a result, Francisco Hernandez Lozano was arrested and charged with grand theft 1st degree/ motor vehicle parts.
Miami Springs Police reportedly released the other two individuals (despite obviously having concerns) due to a lack of evidence.
After the arrest, Lozano was subsequently charged by three additional local police agencies for the same type of offense. Lozano was booked at TGK.
What’s a Catalytic Converter?
A “Cat” or “Catalytic Converter” is part of a vehicle’s emissions control systems. It’s designed to reduce the toxicity of pollutants.
Why do Thieves Want Catalytic Converters?
Some of the catalytic converters in modern vehicles have rare earth materials that can be valuable when scrapped. It’s a piece that is easily sawed off with a battery powered reciprocating saw. In other words, a thief can either get under an elevated vehicle (such as a van or truck) or lift a regular vehicle with a hydraulic jack and steal your catalytic converter in 60 seconds. It’s that fast.
Read more about this disturbing and growing trend on our sister website: MiamiCars.com.
Suspicious Behavior
If you see someone approach a vehicle with a saw, and it’s not the owner, or a member of a construction crew, call Miami Springs Police at 305.888.9711. Try to get a description of the individual, any license plates, of a getaway vehicle, and even video or photographic evidence if possible. Most importantly, call the cops any time you see something suspicious.
From Miami-Dade Corrections
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210156598 | LOZANO, FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ | 11/02/2021 16:41 | W | M | 08/27/1977 | BLD | BRO | 200 Lbs | 5′ 7″ | 3415106 | TGKCC |
| Case(s) Information Case Number: F21019059 Bond: $ 5000 ** Comment Case: PC FOUND CT1 5K Charge: GRAND THEFT 1ST DEGREE/ 100K> Case Number: F21019078 Bond: $ 5000 ** Comment Case: PC FOUND CT1 5K Charge: GRAND THEFT 1ST DEGREE/ 100K> Case Number: F21019080 Desc: STANDARD BOND Bond: $ 10000 ** Comment Case: PC FOUND CT1-2 5K EACH Charge: GRAND THEFT 3RD DEGREE/ BEFORE 10/ 1/ 19 Charge: CRIMINAL MISCHIEF/ $1,000 OR MORE Case Number: F21019091 Bond: $ 15500 ** Comment Case: PC FOUND CT1 10K CT2 5K CT3 $500 Charge: BURGLARY/ UNOCCUPIED DWELLING Charge: GRAND THEFT 3RD DEGREE/ VEHICLE Charge: CRIMINAL MISCHIEF/ $1,000 OR MORE Bond Information Charge Satisfied: No Bond Submitted: ** Bond information posted on this case/charge may not reflect the current amount. Call the detention facility for updated information. |
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