California’s Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputies on October 21 arrested two suspects who were allegedly discovered to be in possession of a stolen catalytic converter and illegal firearms, a report said. This was after responding to a complaint from Santa Ynez about a supposed theft of an RV’s catalytic converter.
Deputies pulled over the suspects’ vehicle and identified the driver as Edgar Puga, 29, and the passenger as Alejandro Maldonado, 34, both from Santa Maria. During the stop, the deputies were able to find what appeared to be a stolen catalytic converter, complete with an electric handsaw beneath Maldonado’s feet.
Police also found an unregistered short-barreled assault rifle, which had a 30-round magazine, as well as an unregistered polymer 9mm handgun, and a Smith and Wesson .38 Special. There were also tools for burglary inside the vehicle. Puga was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.
The suspects were both detained and taken to Santa Barbara County Jail. Puga was charged for driving without a license as well as possession of a controlled substance, carrying a concealed firearm, conspiracy, grand theft, possession of a short-barreled rifle, possession of burglary tools, and possession of an assault rifle. Maldonado was arrested for conspiracy, grand theft, possession of burglary tools, and impersonating another person.
Puga also had five warrants of misdemeanors issued for his arrest. He is in custody with an upgraded bail of $250,000. Maldonado is currently on parole and being held without bail because of the violation of his parole.
