A man was killed Monday after being hit by a car trying to steal a catalytic converter in Sacramento, California, authorities said. Police responded around 4:45 p.m. in reports of a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian on 8100 Timberlake Way, Sacramento police told Fox News Digital via email. CATALYST CONVERSION THEFT INCREASES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY IN 2022 Police said police arrived at the scene and found the man with serious injuries. He was rushed to hospital and was pronounced dead. The man was identified as 28-year-old Jose Adolfo Rangel, Sacramento Bee reported, citing the Sacramento County Medical Examiner’s Office. Investigators said they believe the suspect forged the vehicle to steal its catalytic converter before the collision. Catalytic converters are part of a vehicle’s exhaust system and control emissions. It contains precious metals that criminals can cut in seconds and sell in scraps for profit. Replacing a stolen catalyst can cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION Catalyst thefts have increased this year in cities across the country. Minneapolis police reported a nearly 38% increase in catalytic converter thefts compared to the same period last year. Dallas has seen a 20% increase and Philadelphia Police have seen a 172% increase. According to Las Vegas police, the number of police officers has increased by about 87%. Fox News’ Mills Hayes contributed to this report.
