California Highway Patrol airplane assists Sacramento police in arrest of 2 theft suspects

Two suspects were arrested near the Strawberry Manor neighborhood after a California Highway Patrol airplane assisted the Sacramento Police Department in arrests last week, authorities said.

Around 10:30 p.m. Thursday, a CHP fixed-wing aircraft observed the suspects allegedly attempting to steal catalytic converters in the 3000 block of Western Avenue, police said.

The airplane guided ground units to the suspects’ vehicle as they were leaving the area, according to law enforcement.

Police said officers then attempted to conduct an enforcement stop on the vehicle but the driver failed to yield and a pursuit ensued.

Authorities said the suspect vehicle then collided with a parked car, and the two occupants ran from the car on foot after which they were detained by police.

Officers said that an investigation revealed a loaded firearm inside the suspect vehicle. The suspects were arrested for charges related to the catalytic converter thefts, police said.

This story was originally published August 1, 2023 at 2:12 PM.