Louisiana Man Arrested in Connection With Multiple Catalytic Converter Thefts in Lake Charles Area After Detectives Conduct Surveillance at Business
Lake Charles, Louisiana – A man from Louisiana has been arrested in connection with multiple catalytic converter thefts in the Lake Charles area after detectives conducted surveillance at the business.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) reported on May 19, 2023, that on April 17, 2023, CPSO Vehicle Crimes Investigative Unit detectives responded to a business on Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in regard to a catalytic converter theft that occurred several nights before.
Due to the theft of many catalytic converters from the business, CPSO Special Operations Group detectives began conducting surveillance in the region. On April 24, investigators received a motion alert on a surveillance camera at the business during the evening hours. When the investigators arrived, they found the suspect at the business.
Travis W. Sellars, 44, of Lake Charles, was arrested while reportedly attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle in the parking lot.
Sellars was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on charges of criminal trespass and $1,000 to $5,000 theft of a catalytic converter. His bond was set at $10,000 by Judge Kendrick Guidry.
VCIU detectives discovered Sellars was also responsible for another theft of a catalytic converter from the same business on East Prien Lake Road, as well as the theft of 9 catalytic converters from Calcasieu Parish Police Jury transit buses on Industrial Avenue in Lake Charles.
On May 18, CPSO VCIU investigators issued two new warrants, both endorsed by Judge Tony Fazzio, charging Sellars with criminal trespass, unauthorized entry into a place of business, and ten counts of theft of a catalytic converter ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. His total bond amount is $315,500.
The cases are being investigated by CPSO VCIU Investigators James Rathke and Diquan Bennett.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.