Early Tuesday morning, with the assistance of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Fredericksburg Police Department took three men into police custody for stealing several catalytic converters. Over the last few months, the Fredericksburg area has seen an increase in catalytic converter thefts, one vehicle make-and-model routinely targeted is the Toyota Prius.
At approximately 2:00 a.m., Officer T. Norman saw two Toyota Prius’ parked near one another in the Stratford Square Apartment Complex at 1004 Emancipation Highway. Officer Norman parked his patrol car across the street from the Prius and wrote reports. Officer Norman noticed a Honda Accord enter the apartment complex parking lot and stop in front of the vehicles. Upon approaching the Prius, Officer Norman heard the sound of a saw and a man underneath the Prius. Officer Norman gave commands to the person not to move. The subject disregarded his orders as he jumped in the passenger side of the Accord and fled the scene. Officer Norman gave nearby officers a description of the vehicle and a pursuit ensued southbound on Emancipation Highway. With assistance from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Accord was stopped at the Sunset Memorial Ceremony and the vehicle’s three occupants were taken into custody without incident.
A search of the vehicle revealed a saw and several catalytic converters.
Maliq Burgess, 24, of Enfield, NC was arrested on charges of attempted grand larceny, possession of stolen property with intent to sell, possession of stolen goods, and conspiracy to commit a larceny.
Jarell King, 28, of Enfield, NC was arrested on charges of tampering with a motor vehicle, attempted grand larceny, possession of stolen property with intent to sell, possession of stolen goods, and conspiracy to commit a larceny.
Achontay Cotten, 18, of Enfield, NC was arrested on charges of eluding police, attempted grand larceny, possession of stolen property with intent to sell, possession of stolen goods, and conspiracy to commit a larceny.
Burgess, King, and Cotten are incarcerated at the Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
“This is an excellent example of proactive police work by Officer Norman. He was not just in the right place at the right time. He takes his patrol responsibilities seriously, stays sharp on crime trends in the City, and is aware of what’s happening around him. I am beyond proud of how driven he is and glad these individuals will no longer be able to violate City residents,” said Police Chief Brian Layton.
