On February 2 at approximately 12:50 a.m.
SMPD officers noticed a lone vehicle near the 1100 block of Idaho Avenue driving at a low rate of speed. Due to the increase in catalytic converter thefts regionally, officers observed the vehicle for some time, from a distance, before seeing it stop near a Black Toyota Prius. An occupant from the vehicle exited the rear and crawled underneath. They emerged shortly without taking the catalytic converter and drove away. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle shortly thereafter. Officers located what was believed to be nitrous oxide and balloons used for inhaling fumes to produce a euphoric feeling, as known as huffing. The four occupants of the vehicle were arrested and issued citations for Possession of Nitrous Oxide with Intent to Inhale.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 17, 2023. Read the original PDF.