By F. Scott Faulkner
May 24, 2026 – Ventura County, CA
Los Angeles resident Efran Esau Flores Alvarez, 20, was arrested May 19
after investigators connected him to a series of catalytic converter thefts reported in
Ventura County throughout March and April, 2026.
Alvarez was identified as the prime suspect pursuant to an investigation into nine
catalytic converter thefts committed in Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley.
Ventura County Sheriff’s detectives made contact with Alvarez at his residence where, according to
VCSD spokesman Sgt. Jarrod Foote, they found “a hand saw, impact drills, additional
saw blades and a floor jack” in his vehicle, along with “more than $5,600 in cash.”
According to Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, “Alvarez may be
connected to additional catalytic converter thefts throughout Ventura County” and the
investigation “remains ongoing” as he is suspected of “additional catalytic converter
thefts throughout Ventura County.”
Alvarez was transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was charged with nine felony
counts of grand theft. He remains in custody, with his bail set at $75,000.
