SJSO seeks suspect vehicle following string of auto part thefts

There are now about a dozen reports of stolen catalytic converters in St. Johns County, but investigators believe they’ve captured the suspect vehicle on camera.

WOKV first told you earlier this week that there were several thefts of catalytic converters and oxygen sensors, as well as cut exhaust pipes, in the Whispering Woods and Whispering Pines apartment complexes over the weekend. Other thefts have now been reported from Casa del Mar and the Outlet Mall.

The Outlet Mall grand theft involved a catalytic converter stolen from a Honda CRV in the parking lot on March 18th. Surveillance video shows a driver getting out of the suspect vehicle and removing the part from the victim’s vehicle, before getting back in the suspect vehicle and driving off. The suspect vehicle is described as a magnetic gray 2018 Ford F150 XLT with a Florida tag. It has a soft black bed cover and the passenger appeared to be a black man wearing an orange construction vest, according to SJSO.

Investigators say this same suspect vehicle is tied to all of the thefts.

If you have any information about this vehicle or who is responsible for these thefts, you’re asked to contact SJSO at 904-824-8304. You can also submit an anonymous tip and be eligible for a possible reward by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS.