HOUSTON – Houston Police set up multiple perimeters in Montrose around Avondale and Stanford Streets Friday as officers searched for a suspect connected to catalytic converter thefts, according to authorities.
HPD said they received the call around 9:15 a.m.
Per a law enforcement source, the suspect is connected to two known catalytic converter theft cases — one earlier this week and another Friday. The source said officers attempted a traffic stop along Grant Street just north of Westheimer and the suspect, who was driving a black Dodge Charger, tried to evade.
Police said the Charger struck another vehicle during the driver’s escape while in reverse and still in gear, backing up as the suspect ran from the car. The suspect then fled on foot, and his house shoes/slippers came off, leaving him running in socks.
“Absolute madness. It was like a movie film,” said Mariama Ndiyae, whose car nearly got hit by the moving Charger. “I didn’t realize my car was out there till about Ten minutes after the adrenaline just shut down ... Thank God nothing happened to her."
The Charger is now in police custody, and police believe there was only one suspect in the vehicle. Officers are still searching for the suspect, described as a Black male about 5′8″ to 5′10″, wearing all black.
A police helicopter was seen searching overhead, K9s assisted, and officers used a drone to search while people in nearby offices stepped outside to observe.
Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise in Houston, and authorities advise people to protect their vehicles by parking in well-lit areas, installing anti-theft devices, and reporting suspicious activity.
Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise again—don’t become the next target.
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) April 7, 2026
Protect your vehicle by parking in well-lit areas, installing anti-theft devices, and staying aware of suspicious activity.
If you see something, say something. Help us keep our community safe. pic.twitter.com/Gj3elXB8x0
“This hurts our community. These are the moms, the dads, the everyday person working hard that can’t afford that setback‚" KPRC 2’s community news partner Grizzy of Grizzy’s Hood News said, noting that she’s seen an increase in videos shared by her followers that show the thieves in action.
Jennifer Kluttz of ADD Automotive, a shop that specializes in protective shields for catalytic converters, said thefts tend to increase when the price of the precious metals inside the parts, including rhodium and palladium, go up.
Police were not able to catch the suspect on Friday. He has not been publicly identified, but law enforcement said the Harris County District Attorney’s Office has accepted charges against him.