NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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The theft of catalytic converters from parked automobiles continues to be a crime in Niagara and around Ontario.
The catalytic converter is part of an automobile exhaust system designed to help manage pollution. Thieves steal the catalytic converters and sell them to metal recyclers for cash.
Since early February of 2021, Detectives from the 2 District – Niagara Falls Street Crime Unit have been conducting an investigation into theft of catalytic converters in Niagara Falls.
As a result of that investigation they have identified two male suspects in relation to four incidents.
On Feb. 26, 2021, detectives executed a search warrant at a Niagara Falls house in the area of Summer Street and Morse Avenue. They arrested one of the suspects as a result of the warrant.
Johnathon Murphy (29 years old) of Niagara Falls has been arrested and charged with the offices of:
- Theft under $5,000 x3
- Mischief under $5,000 x3
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime x5
- Break and enter commit theft
- Mischief over $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime
- Theft over $5,000
Murphy was held in custody for a video bail hearing which he attended on Feb. 26, 2021. He was held in custody.
The second suspect in the investigation has been identified at Alexander John Pidgeon (27 years old) of Thorold. He is wanted for the offences of:
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime x2
- Break and enter commit theft
- Mischief over $5,000
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime x2
- Fail to comply with an undertaking
Pidgeon’s current location is unknown. He has ties to Thorold and Niagara Falls.
Pidgeon is described as:
- Male white
- 5’7 feet tall, approximately 130lbs
- Brown hair and eyes
- His tattoos include the following:
- Left forearm – words – “Let it be”
- Right forearm – image – skull
- Abdomen – words – “I’m not”
Detectives have determined during the investigation at least 30 different automobiles had their catalytic converters cut off. Of note, the targeted automobiles all had higher suspensions systems e.g. vans and pickup trucks.
The investigation into this matter remains ongoing. Anyone who may know the location of Pidgeon is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, ext. 1009514.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
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