73-Year-Old Man Opens Fire On Suspected Catalytic Converter Thieves

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Early in the morning, a 73-year-old man from Lincoln Park caught what appeared to be two thieves attempting to steal his catalytic converter on North Larrabee, according to CWB Chicago.

According to the Chicago police report, one of the thieves brandished a gun at the man, and in response the man fired shots. No injuries were reported.

The thieves managed to escape in a dark SUV, which hit a parked car as they fled the scene. Neighbors who witnessed the event heard yelling and several gunshots and promptly dialed 911. Police confirmed that the victim was a licensed firearm owner.

After the incident, another series of catalytic converter thefts occurred in the area around 5 a.m. Witnesses reported a white Dodge Durango driven by the thieves on North Cleveland, just a few blocks away from the earlier shooting.

The incident highlights the increasing number of catalytic converter thefts happening across the city. The thieves target the devices for their valuable metals, including platinum and palladium.

As such, it might not be unwise to take necessary precautions, such as parking their cars in a secured location and installing security systems, to prevent thefts from happening.