Police Blotter: Catalytic Converters Stolen, DUI at the Cemetery

Seven Toyota trucks parked around town had their catalytic converters stolen between Thursday and Friday night, according to the Petaluma Police Department. The thefts occurred on the Eastside and south Petaluma between 11:30pm Thursday and 7:30am Friday.

According to police, the suspect(s) unbolted and removed only the catalytic converters from the vehicles. Catalytic converters oxidize pollutants and serve as the cars anti-pollution mechanicsm. Police say the parts are stolen because the recyclable metals inside can be sold for scrap. They also cost upwards of $800 to replace.

Police are urging anyone who has any information in regards to these thefts, to contact Community Service Officer Claire Torina at the Petaluma Police Department.

In other police news, 19-year-old Petaluma Dylan Bicheler was arrested for a DUI after crashing his car into a stone pillar at the entrance to Cypress Hill Cemetery shortly before 2am Friday morning.

The accident injured a passenger in the car and caused major damage to the vehicle. Bicheler was taken to Sonoma County Jail.