SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, August 12, at approximately 5:35 a.m., officers with the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) reported to 1833 Lincoln Boulevard for an active burglary involving a vehicle that was parked in the secured parking lot of Rainbow Carpet Cleaners.

Upon arrival, officers could hear a grinding sound coming from under a white Ford pickup truck. They  discovered a male subject, later identified as Alexander Torres, 28, from Los Angeles, holding a flashlight. Torres made eye contact with authorities and attempted to flee, but was immediately taken into custody without incident.

Officers confirmed that Torres was attempting to steal the catalytic converter from the truck. Officers recovered metal blades, a reciprocating saw, and the flashlight Torres was holding.

Torres was booked at the Santa Monica Jail for Grand Theft. They later learned that Torres was on probation for Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (310) 458-8451.