Troy police are investigating after they say thieves stole multiple catalytic converters and shot a homeowner.
Police say they were called to the area of Fredmoor St. and W. South Blvd., between Crooks and Livernois, around 3:42 a.m Tuesday.
The homeowners told officers their 30 year old son, who was up tending to his infant, heard power tools outside. They say the noises stopped for a moment and then continued again. That’s when they say their son went out to investigate. They say when the 30 year old walked outside, he found two people trying to steal the catalytic converter from a pick up truck.
After the victim called out, police say the suspects fled toward a dark-colored SUV waiting on the grass near the driveway. The homeowners say the thieves parked their car in the yard while they were stealing the car parts. As they fled, police say the suspects fired at least two shots. One bullet hit the 30 year old victim in the leg. He was treated on scene and taken to the hospital in stable condition. He’s now back home recovering.
The homeowners say the thieves targeted their Ford pick up truck and an earlier model impala but were only successful stealing the car part from one vehicle before the confrontation.
“That’s so unorthodox for around here because mostly (car thefts) happens further south,” said Helen Hansen who lives a few house down. “This is a quiet neighborhood.”
Hansen says she didn’t hear the gun shots or the suspects fleeing overnight. The homeowner who has lived in her house for more than 60 years says she’s extremely concerned following the shooting.
“It’s very unsettling to me and I used to have a gun, a revolver, but I don’t anymore but this makes me think about getting something for our protection,” said Hansen.
Before the incident on Fredmoor St., police say they were in the area of Cypress and Bristol, about three miles away, investigating an additional catalytic converter theft from a Honda CR-V. Neighbors described a similar dark-colored SUV fleeing the area. Police believe the same group is responsible for both thefts.
The Troy Police Department says this has been a growing problem across the metro.
“We’re seeing it over night time hours in the parking lots, during day time hours in the parking lots of our shopping malls,” said Sgt. Jason Clark with the Troy Police Department. “It’s easy to get underneath a vehicle and cut a catalytic converter. It doesn’t take much more than 2 to 3 minutes.”
Police say thieves are trying to sell the high value metal inside of the car part, especially on older cars.
“ I do think it’s a crime of opportunity. A lot of people do not have enough garage room for their vehicles to stay protected. They’re leaving them out and the catalytic converter is an easy target,” said Clark.
Clark says the police department is also taking this opportunity to remind homeowners not to confront suspects in situations like this. He says people should instead call police.
Police are seeking additional information or surveillance footage, and they have not identified any suspects yet.
