Full Breakdown
High-Speed Chase in Long Island: Thieves Target Catalytic Converters
4/2/2026, 3:28:09 AM
Incident Overview
A group of four men from the Bronx led police on a high-speed chase through Long Island after allegedly stealing catalytic converters from parked vehicles. The incident occurred in the early hours of March 7, when the suspects, driving a luxury 2021 Maserati Levante, were caught in the act of removing catalytic converters from Toyota Priuses and other vehicles in Lindenhurst. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office reported that the thieves had traveled approximately 40 miles to commit the thefts.
Details of the Theft
According to prosecutors, the group operated with a clear division of labor during the thefts. One individual used a pump jack to lift the vehicles, while another employed a power saw to detach the catalytic converters. The operation was interrupted around 4:30 a.m. when a Suffolk County police officer attempted to pull over the Maserati. Instead of stopping, the suspects accelerated, reaching speeds over 90 mph on the Southern State Parkway. The police deployed stop sticks to disable the vehicle, prompting the suspects to flee on foot.
Consequences of the Chase
During the foot pursuit, a Suffolk County police officer sustained a broken ankle, necessitating emergency surgery. Two of the suspects, Henry Cruz, 25, and Luis Acosta, 24, were apprehended at the scene, while the remaining two, Jeorge Santana Sanchez, 34, and Madinson Silverio Ventura, 27, were captured later in a Bronx hotel on March 19. The suspects face multiple felony charges, including assault on a police officer, first-degree auto stripping, and criminal possession of stolen property.
Legal Proceedings
During their arraignment, the four men were ordered held on bail amounts of either $500,000 or $250,000. If convicted on the most serious charge, they could face up to 15 years in prison. Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, stating, “The defendants, who are not from Suffolk County, are accused of targeting our community through a string of catalytic converter thefts and then escalating the situation by fleeing from law enforcement, resulting in a serious injury to a police officer.”
Broader Implications
The theft of catalytic converters has become increasingly common due to the valuable metals they contain, which are sought after on the black market. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of auto thefts and the risks faced by law enforcement in responding to such crimes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The defendants, who are not from Suffolk County, are accused of targeting our community through a string of catalytic converter thefts and then escalating the situation by fleeing from law enforcement, resulting in a serious injury to a police officer,” — Raymond Tierney, Suffolk District Attorney.
