Suspected catalytic converter thief caught in Romeoville: cops

A Chicago man suspected of stealing catalytic converters fled from officers in Romeoville in a stolen vehicle, police said.

Antwaun Walker, 28, of the 6900 block of Eberhart Avenue was arrested Wednesday on charges of aggravated fleeing and eluding, as well as aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Additional charges against Walker are pending, Romeoville Deputy Police Chief Brant Hromadka said in a news release.

On Wednesday, officers were conducting surveillance on a man suspected of numerous catalytic converter thefts and past incidents of fleeing and eluding, Hromadka said.

“While conducting surveillance, officers observed the suspect in a vehicle previously used in the prior offenses,” Hromadka said.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspect again tried to flee. After a short pursuit, officers were able to stop the vehicle and the suspect fled on foot, Hromadka said.

“Officers immediately set up a perimeter and with cooperation from a nearby homeowner were able to locate the hiding subject who voluntarily surrendered to police a short time later,” Hromadka said.

The vehicle and the registration on the vehicle were stolen, Hromadka said.