FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2022
CONTACT INFO.:
East Providence Police Department
Lieutenant Michael Rapoza
Public Information Officer
(401)-435-7600
East Providence Police arrest three in catalytic converter thefts
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – On March 12, 2022, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Rhode Island Truck Center on Amaral Street for a report of a larceny in progress. A caller reported that several individuals had gained access to the gated facility and were actively stealing catalytic converters from several commercial vehicles. Responding officers encountered a silver Mazda sedan exiting the parking lot occupied by three males wearing black ski masks.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but their commands were ignored. The vehicle fled the scene at a high rate of speed towards the Wampanoag Trail. Several officers pursued the vehicle on Pawtucket Avenue before it continued onto Route 195 westbound. During the pursuit, the vehicle sustained damage to the passenger side front tire. The vehicle continued to flee at a high rate of speed on three wheels onto Route 95 north and eventually Route 146 north.
Surrounding agencies were notified of the pursuit which was eventually terminated near the Smithfield Avenue exit on Route 146. Rhode Island State Police located the vehicle a short distance away where the vehicle attempted to exit onto Route 116. The vehicle became disabled, and all three suspects fled on foot. All three were subsequently taken into custody by Rhode Island State Police.
Rhode Island State Police recovered 14 catalytic converters from the vehicle, each valued at approximately $1,500. Officers identified several vehicles that had the catalytic converters removed. Detectives are currently investigating the incident to see if the suspects are connected to other catalytic converter thefts in East Providence and surrounding communities. The three suspects were eventually transported to the East Providence Police Department where they were identified and arraigned by a bail commissioner.
Jose VAZQUEZ, age 27 of Chicopee, MA is charged with:
· Larceny over $1,500 (6 counts)
· Injuring or Tampering with Vehicles (6 counts)
· Eluding an Officer/High-Speed Pursuit
· Obstructing an Officer in Execution of Duty
· Conspiracy
Nathaniel VAZQUEZ, age 26 of Springfield, MA is charged with:
· Larceny over $1,500 (6 counts)
· Injuring or Tampering with Vehicles (6 counts)
· Conspiracy
Roberto JOURDAN, age 24 of Springfield, MA is charged with:
· Larceny over $1,500 (6 counts)
· Injuring or Tampering with Vehicles (6 counts)
· Conspiracy
