Three Charlotte Men Arrested For Matthews Catalytic Converter Theft

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Three Charlotte men were arrested early Wednesday on multiple charges in connection to catalytic converter theft in Matthews, according to police.

Matthews officers were dispatched around 2:15 a.m. to Paces Avenue after a caller reported that someone was under their car with a flashlight and was sawing something.

As officers were arriving at the scene, a vehicle matching description by the caller as the suspect’s was seen leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle which had three passengers.

According to police, as they were speaking to the driver, two saws and a catalytic converter were observed inside the vehicle.  Upon further investigation, two handguns, one of which was reported stolen, were also seized by officers.  All three passengers of the vehicle were taken into custody, transported to the Mecklenburg County Jail and charged.

Police said 20-year-old Juan Ruiz was charged with possession of a stolen firearm, conspire to commit felony larceny, and larceny of motor vehicle parts. Cung Lal, 28, was charged with carrying concealed gun, conspire to commit felony larceny, and larceny of motor vehicle parts. The third suspect in the case, identified as 19-year-old Cco Tha, was charged with conspire to commit felony larceny, larceny of motor vehicle parts, and simple possession of schedule VI (marijuana).