The Fremont Police Department General Investigations Unit conducted an approximately eight-week investigation into a prolific catalytic converter theft group. Over the course of several months, this group was responsible for committing numerous catalytic converter thefts within Alameda County and Santa Clara County. Over time the suspects became more violent and in at least two instances, brandished a firearm toward the victims. During the commission of these crimes, the suspects used a stolen vehicle, which Fremont PD Detectives were able to track to one of the suspect’s residences. On June 22, 2023, Detectives apprehended two suspects at their residence, and two stolen catalytic converters were in their possession. A search warrant was obtained for a residence, and the search yielded multiple high-capacity magazines, ammunition, three unserialized firearms (“ghost guns”), and a fully automatic firearm. This investigation is ongoing, and attempts will be made to identify additional suspects.
On June 26, 2023, the case was presented to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Nestor Lealsumale (23 years old, residence of Hayward) was subsequently charged with three felony counts and one misdemeanor count, including Penal Code 487(a) – grand theft, Penal Code 32625(a) – possession of a machine gun, and Penal Code 32310(c) – possession of a large capacity magazine.
If you have information regarding the catalytic converter theft series in Fremont involving the listed suspect or any other involved persons, please contact the Fremont Police Department Investigations Unit at 510-790-6900.
Incident: Firearms Recovered After Arrest Made in Catalytic Converter Theft Investigation
Date of Incident: June 22, 2023
Location: Area of Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward
Media Contact: [email protected]
- # # # -
