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Authorities Searching for Catalytic Converter Theft Suspect from DeQuincy

Published July 21, 2021

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for help locating a catalytic converter theft suspect.

From the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles, LA – On June 15, 2021, at approximately 10:30 a.m. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies received a report in reference to a theft. The victim advised deputies that the catalytic converter had been cut from underneath her work car while it was parked at her employment off Highway 171 in Moss Bluff between June 11 and June 15.
Deputies located blood on the driver’s side door during the initial investigation, at which time deputies with the CPSO Forensic Investigation Unit processed the car for DNA. The DNA sample was sent to the SWLA Crime Lab for processing.

On July 14, 2021, detectives received another report of someone stealing a catalytic converter from a car that was parked at a business on Swisco Road in Sulphur. Detectives learned the theft actually occurred two weeks earlier on June 30. Detectives reviewed surveillance footage during a further investigation and observed the suspect’s vehicle to be a silver Ford Escape.
Detectives with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office later received notification that the DNA found on the victim’s car in Moss Bluff was a match for Russell C. Perkins, 32, of DeQuincy. After further investigation, with the assistance of the CPSO Real Time Crime Center, detectives also learned Perkins drive’s a silver Ford Escape. Detectives were also able to determine Perkins’ SUV was in the area during the time the catalytic converter was taken from the car in Sulphur. It was also discovered Perkins had recently scraped numerous catalytic converters while driving the silver Ford.

Detectives later issued two warrants signed by Judge David Ritchie and Tony Fazzio for Perkins’ arrest, charging him with 2 counts of simple criminal property damage; theft less than $1,000; and theft of $1,000 to $5,000. His total bond is set at $60,000.

Detectives are currently searching for Perkins and ask if anyone has any information regarding his whereabouts, please call CPSO at 337-491-3605.
The investigations are ongoing and more charges are likely.

CPSO Vehicle Crimes Investigation Unit detectives Kyle Miers and Diquan Bennett are the lead investigators on these cases.

Featured image source: CPSO