7 catalytic converters found in stolen Prius at end of Westside chase

Seven catalytic converters and tools commonly used to remove them from vehicles were found Tuesday morning when officers searched a stolen Toyota Prius at the end of a chase on Los Angeles’ Westside.

Officers were just leaving the scene of another chase in the Mar Vista area at about 5 a.m. when their license plate reader located a Prius sought in a grand theft investigation. Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver took off, the LAPD told NBC4 Investigates.

The chase ended on the 105 Freeway when officers used PIT maneuver to spin the car. Two men and a juvenile inside the Prius on suspicion to commit grand theft.

Seven possibly stolen catalytic converters, saws and other tools were found inside the Prius. Police said there were no catalytic converters thefts reported early Tuesday, but that they expect calls soon in connection with the discovery.

The police investigation will be sent to county prosecutors for consideration of criminal charges.

Catalytic converters contain precious metals, making them targets for thieves looking to make money on the re-sale market.