CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT ARREST

MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MAKES ARREST IN CATALYTIC CONVERTOR THEFTS

Suspect Caught in the Act

Rochester, NY (February 16, 2021) – Over the course of the last several months, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports of catalytic convertors being stolen from motor vehicles throughout Monroe County. MCSO deputies and investigators have been working diligently to identify the suspect and subsequently make an arrest.

Over the last month, information was developed that led to a possible suspect vehicle. A bulletin was created by the Monroe Crime Analysis Center and distributed to all law enforcement agencies in Monroe County. This bulletin then lead to information being passed to MCSO from the Greece and Rochester Police Departments, which led our deputies to a potential suspect.

On 2/14/2021, MCSO’s Criminal Investigation Section, along with the MCSO Tactical Unit, conducted an undercover detail and observed the suspect in the area of Pixley Industrial Park in the Town of Gates. One of the Tactical Unit deputies was able to get close to the area on foot and heard the sound of power tools coming from the area of a group of parked vehicles. The deputy then observed the suspect walking away from the area carrying what appeared to be catalytic convertors. Deputies took the suspect into custody without incident.

MCSO investigators interviewed the individual and he admitted to two other incidents in the Town of Henrietta. The investigation continues and more charges may be forthcoming.

MCSO charged Yamzen Colon, 39, Rochester, with: Criminal Mischief 2nd degree (Class-D Felony), Grand Larceny 4th degree (Class-E Felony) and Auto Stripping 3rd Degree (Class-A Misdemeanor). Colon was arraigned in Gates Town Court and released on his own recognizance due to the charges not being bail eligible.

“This is yet another example of tenacious police work and officers developing and sharing information that eventually painted the whole picture,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “I am proud of the efforts of our deputies and investigators who investigated and developed the information that led to this arrest. We thank our partner agencies for the assistance in this case. ”