Deputies bust suspected catalytic converter thieves

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. – Cherokee County Deputies arrest a duo after their attempt to steal a catalytic converter from a church vehicle in Riverton, Kansas.

Just after 5:00 pm on Monday, April 11th, eyewitnesses called police dispatch regarding suspicious activity. Callers said a man wearing a mask was approaching a church van carrying an electric saw.

Eyewitnesses say that when the man noticed he was being watched, he got back into a car with a woman and fled the scene.

Deputies say they later found the vehicle north of Riverton and conducted a traffic stop. During that time, police discovered the following:

  • Methamphetamine
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Brass knuckles
  • Tools used to steel catalytic converters

In addition, deputies say they discovered more stolen property inside the vehicle.

Police arrested one of the suspects, 35-year-old Zachary Davenport at the scene for the following:

  • Attempted Theft
  • Criminal Carrying of a Weapon
  • Possession of Methamphetamine
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
  • Deputies say Davenport was homeless and had warrants for Felony Damage to Property at the time of his arrest.

Police say the woman in Davenport’s vehicle is also being held on allegations of Attempted Theft.

“This is an excellent example of the success gained when law enforcement works hand in hand with the community. Thanks to an alert resident who reported suspicious activity, these two suspected thieves are now in custody,” stated Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves.

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