Suspect points gun at surveillance camera during catalytic converter theft in Gardena, police say

GARDENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Gardena police on Thursday asked for the public's help in identifying a trio of thieves who were seen on surveillance video stealing a catalytic converter from a car parked in front of a Gardena home.

The theft was discovered early Tuesday morning, when a woman got into her Toyota Prius in her driveway and started the engine, authorities said in a news release.

"After hearing a loud and unusual noise coming from underneath her vehicle, she discovered that her catalytic converter had been stolen overnight," the statement said.

The homeowner reviewed footage from security cameras on her property, which showed the suspects committing the theft, and she then reported the incident, according to the Gardena Police Department.

Recorded during the dark of night, the video shows one suspect removing the exhaust emission control device from the car while the other two act as lookouts.

"One of the lookouts was standing guard and holding what appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun, which he pointed toward the victim's home and security cameras," the news release said. Two of the thieves were wearing hooded sweatshirts, while the other wore a black ski mask.

After the catalytic converter was successfully removed from the Prius, the suspect fled in a dark-colored sedan, investigators said.

A detailed description of the individuals being sought was not available.

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to call police Detective Liliana Pinela at (310) 217-9654. The report number for the case is DR 24-2671.