Katy Police Department officers have arrested Jewrell Pinson, Jr (18),  Trazario Oneil (19) and Russell Roquemoore (18) - all from Houston - and charged them with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and Criminal Mischief after a traffic stop led to their confessions to multiple catalytic converter thefts in the Katy area, according to a KPD press release.

“On April 18, 2021, Katy Police Department Patrol Officers conducted a traffic stop,” the press release said. “Upon making contact with the vehicle's occupants, the officer observed a rear seat passenger removing gloves from his hands and placing them in the floorboard along with numerous used cordless saw blades.  The officer also observed a cordless battery-powered Sawzall that was in plain view.”

The tools are known items used in catalytic converter thefts and there have been thefts near Katy Mills and the surrounding hotels, the press release said. Upon questioning, the suspects admitted to those thefts.

Inside the vehicle, KPD officers found eight catalytic converters, multiple batteries and saw blades used during the thefts and clothing with metal shavings.

Charges in the case are currently pending.

“Katy Police Department would like to thank Harris County District Attorney's Office for their assistance with this case,” the press release said.

Katy PD made headlines last November for working with area law enforcement agencies to arrest suspects for the theft of catalytic converters. Read that story here.