Two Louisiana Men Arrested Suspected of Theft of Catalytic Converters from Two Businesses in Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana – The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office arrested two Louisiana men in connection with the suspected theft of catalytic converters from two businesses in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office (CPSO) reported on January 31, 2023, that on January 26, CPSO Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit (VCIU) detectives were notified regarding the theft of catalytic converters from two businesses located on Highway 90 East and Freds Road in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

During the initial investigation, detectives discovered that Walter W. Nelson, 43, Lake Charles, had recently sold several converters matching the type stolen from the business on Highway 90 at a local recycling center. During the course of the investigation, detectives reportedly observed Nelson at the recycling center in a black truck.

During the course of the investigation, detectives reviewed video surveillance of the catalytic converter theft from the Freds Road business and discovered the same truck Nelson was seen driving earlier. The truck was registered to Reginald M. Louis, 52, of Lake Charles, who was previously arrested in September 2022 for catalytic converter theft, according to detectives. Detectives were able to confirm Louis was the suspect seen on video stealing the catalytic converters after reviewing additional video surveillance from the thefts.

The next day, detectives returned to the recycling center for a second look and found Nelson and Louis inside. When detectives attempted to contact Louis, he resisted and fled the area, leading deputies on a brief foot pursuit before being apprehended. Nelson fled the scene as well but was apprehended a short time later while walking down Highway 108 in Sulphur, Louisiana.

Both were arrested and taken to the Calcasieu Correctional Center. Nelson is charged with three counts of illegal possession of stolen property ranging in value from $1,000 to $5,000. His bond was set at $30,000 by Judge Tony Fazzio. Louis is charged with using force or violence to resist a police officer, simple burglary, four counts of theft ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, simple criminal damage to property ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, and simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000. His bond was set at $140,000 by Judge Tony Fazzio. Nelson was also discovered to have an active warrant for CDS II possession with intent to distribute.

Detective Tyler McKnight of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office is the lead investigator on these cases.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.