RICHLAND, Wash. — Three men who were allegedly caught stealing catalytic converters from vehicles near Columbia Park Trail & Malibu PR NE have been arrested by Richland police officers following reports from a concerned citizen who noticed the suspicious activity.

According to a social media alert from the Richland Police Department, officers responded to the report from a community member around 1:34 p.m. PST on August 18, 2022.  They arrived at the scene and made contact with three male suspects since identified as Joseph Anderson, Paul Fee, and Corey Inlow.

Richland police officers conducted a complete investigation which led them to develop probable cause to bring the group of men into custody for the attempted theft of catalytic converters.

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All three suspects were brought in under the suspicion of felony malicious mischief and attempted felony theft.

Nationwide, the theft of catalytic converters has grown in prominence. These devices are made of precious metals which can be quite valuable, leading thieves to remove them from vehicles and sell them.

Tri-Cities police leaders have cited increased rates of catalytic converter threats in the community over the past several years. Richland police officials urge anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or experiences a catalytic converter theft to report it to their department by calling (509) 942-7360.

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