Catalytic converter theft spreed: third suspect arrested

2022-09-24 01:40:03 By : Mr. JACKIE YOUNG

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Berks County detectives found images of catalytic converters that had been cut from vehicles along with photos of reports on metal market prices on the phone left behind by one of the three suspects in a car following a high-speed chase over the summer.

Some of the images of the converters, which contain a precious metal, had prices written in the corners.

Investigators said the phone, which produced a treasure-trove of evidence that aided their investigation of the July 14 catalytic-converter theft spree in Reading, belonged to Marlon T. Carrasquilla, 24, of Allentown.

Among the photos on the phone that helped identify Carrasquilla as the third suspect was one of his Pennsylvania identification cards. There was also a picture of Carrasquillo holding the cellphone with its distinct green-and-white stickers, as well as several selfies in a state of undress, some taken in front of a mirror.

Investigators also obtained a search warrant for the wireless carrier. They were able to track the phone as it was in use from Allentown to Reading from 11:54 p.m. July 13 through 12:57 a.m. on July 14.

Carrsquilla was taken into custody Friday in Allentown by members of a U.S. marshal’s fugitive task force.

He was committed to Berks County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail to await a hearing following arraignment Friday night before District Judge Kim L. Bagenstose in Reading Central Court.

He faces felony counts of receiving stolen property, theft and conspiracy.

Investigators said they found seven catalytic converters — as well as tools believed to have been used to remove the parts from vehicle exhaust systems —in the trunk of the suspects’ car following the 100 mph, early-morning chase on July 14 on Routes 422 and 12.

The chase ended when a police officer fired into the suspects’ vehicle, wounding the driver.

The driver, identified as Tyvan Barnett, 26,was taken to Reading Hospital for treatment of a leg wound.

Passenger Ejau Collazo, 18, Allentown, was taken into custody at the scene and remains free on $50,000 bail.

Barnet and Collazo face the same charges as Carrasquilla. In addition, Barnett faces aggravated assault, reckless driving and other charges related to the vehicle chase.

A hearing is scheduled for the trio before District Judge Tonya A. Butler on Friday in Reading Central Court.

Reading officers were called to the 200 block of South Fifth Street at 1:46 a.m. July 14 for the suspected theft of catalytic converters from parked vehicles.

Officers found three males, with one holding what appeared to be a saw or vehicle jack. The males jumped in a black car and drove away. A pursuit ensued.

The pursuit continued through Reading and onto Route 422, with the suspect vehicle weaving through traffic without its headlights on and going about 100 mph.

Muhlenberg Township police joined in the pursuit.

The car entered eastbound Route 12. The driver took the River Road ramp and came to a stop at a dead end at a Carpenter Technology Corp. gate.

Officers got out of their vehicles and gave commands to the car’s occupants. But the driver, Barnett, sped toward the officers, one of whom was taking cover behind the driver’s side door. That officer fired two shots, hitting Barnett.

The suspects’ car continued moving and hit a different patrol vehicle before coming to a stop a short distance away in the 4000 block of River Road in Muhlenberg.

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