Man arrested in Exeter for attempting to steal catalytic converter, police say

EXETER, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A man was arrested over the weekend in Exeter for allegedly attempting to steal a catalytic converter, according to the Exeter Police Department.

Police say on March 23, shortly after 11:30 p.m. officers responded to the 300 block of N. Orange on a report of a male subject underneath a vehicle, possibly attempting to steal a catalytic converter.

According to police, officers arrived on the scene and the subject who was later identified as 24-year-old, Joel Medina attempted to flee on foot.

Police say officers pursued Medina and located him in the bushes of a yard in the 300 block of Willow Street. Medina refused to comply with commands to come out of the bushes and surrender. Medina had to be physically removed from the bushes at which time he was taken into custody.

Police say at the time of his arrest Medina was found to have two active warrants for his arrest. He was booked at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department for active warrants as well as fresh criminal charges stemming from this incident.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.