Catalytic converter theft suspects caught after fleeing on foot following Burbank police chase

BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) -- All three catalytic converter theft suspects have been caught and identified following a high-speed chase with police in Burbank that ended with a car sparking out.

The suspects fled on foot after their second getaway car caught a flat tire. Police say the suspects initially had two cars, a gray Dodge Challenger and a white Cadillac CTS, but the suspect driving the Dodge intentionally crashed into a responding police vehicle.

The chase began when officers responded to a call of a possible catalytic converter theft at around 5:15 a.m. Thursday morning on the 300 block of North Avon Street.

Burbank police arrived at the scene to find what they say was a catalytic converter theft in progress.

The suspects fled in two vehicles, leading police on a chase.

Three catalytic-converter theft suspects fled on foot and were apprehended after a car chase involving Burbank police.

The suspect driving the Dodge intentionally crashed into a police vehicle, then he and another suspect got out of his car and ran into the Cadillac, continuing the pursuit.

The end of the pursuit was caught on AIR7HD as it went down West Magnolia Boulevard. One of the car's tires deflated, possibly due to police spikes, causing the car to slow down as sparks and smoke flew from the damaged tire.

The suspects' car then made a turn onto North Mariposa Street, where the car made a stop and three people ran out.

One suspect was stopped by police in a nearby backyard, and another was caught a short time later.

One suspect remained on the loose for several hours before being caught by police.

Police had set up a perimeter, shutting down several streets and using canines to search the nearby area. An LAPD Airship also assisted in the search.

Two suspects are on the run after fleeing following a high-speed pursuit with police in Burbank.

The suspects have been identified as 20-year-old Fernando Garcia, 18-year-old Raybon Johnson and a 17-year-old male juvenile.

All three are in custody and are facing charges for allegedly committing theft, assault with a deadly weapon and leading police on a pursuit.

Police also searched the suspects' vehicles, and found a handgun and other items that suggest they were involved in catalytic converter thefts.

At this time, police are now looking into whether the suspects are connected to other thefts in Burbank and the surrounding cities.

The suspects are set to appear in court on May 15.