Two suspects were arrested by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for theft of 20 catalytic converters discovered in their vehicle in Isla Vista today. The 3:30 a.m. arrest occurred during a traffic enforcement stop near Los Carneros Road and Castilian Drive.
The 20 catalytic converters were found alongside a floor jack and an impact drill in the vehicle during a traffic enforcement stop.
Deputies arrested both suspects — 25-year-old Arman Abrahamyan from Van Nuys and 27-year-old Levon Martirosyan from Glendale. The two vehicle occupants were charged on felony counts for grand theft, possession of stolen property and conspiracy, as well as one misdemeanor for possession of burglary tools.
Both suspects are being held at the Santa Barbara Main Jail on a $20,000 bail.
The arrest follows several reports of thefts of catalytic converters to Isla Vista Foot Patrol and other law enforcement agencies throughout the day today, according to SBC Sheriff’s Office.
