ST. JOSEPH COUNTY – Michigan State Police were called out to investigate two separate incidents of catalytic converter thefts.

Troopers say the first call was to the 24,000 block of Clark Road in Mendon Township on May 14. The catalytic converter was taken some time between the evening hours of May 13 and the morning hours on May 14. This incident is still being investigated.

Then on Sunday at approximately 6:15 AM, troopers were sent to the 16,000 block of Marcellus Road. Employees discovered a man cutting a catalytic converter off of a company vehicle, then he ran into a nearby wooded area. Troopers and the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department established a perimeter. The suspect, a 64 year old Three Rivers man, was located by Three Rivers Police K-9 Officer Jake and his handler.

The suspect was arrested on multiple felony charges and taken to the St. Joseph County Jail. Michigan State Police say the theft of catalytic converters is on the rise and they are asking everyone to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.