Two Los Angeles men were arrested early Friday morning after reported catalytic converter thefts in the Eastern Goleta Valley and a vehicle chase from the Carpinteria area into Ventura County.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Raquel Zick identified the suspects as Cesar Ortiz Gomez, 46, the driver of the car, and Marvin Angel Aguirre, 22, a passenger.

A third suspect — whose identity was not publicly released — was still being sought in connection with the theft as of Saturday afternoon.

Deputies ultimately found nine catalytic converters, four reciprocating saws, and one floor jack, Zick said.

Gomez was booked on suspicion of felony grand theft, conspiracy, vehicle tampering, felony evading a peace officer, felony vandalism, possession of burglary tools, resisting or obstructing a peace officer, speeding and possession of stolen property.

His bail was set at $75,000, but was no longer in custody at Santa Barbara County Jail as of Saturday afternoon.

Aguirre had an outstanding warrant from Redondo Beach at the time of his arrest.

He was arrested on suspicion of felony grand theft, conspiracy, vehicle tampering, felony vandalism, possession of burglary tools, resisting or obstructing a peace officer and possession of stolen property. 

His bail was also $75,000.

Police first responded at around 2:41 a.m. for a report of a catalytic converter theft on the 4700 block of Glenbrook Street, according to Zick.

The victim reported that suspects driving a white Toyota Camry stole a catalytic converter from a Toyota Tundra.

Zick said sheriff’s deputies on Highway 101 near Reynolds Avenue in the Carpinteria area later spotted a white Toyota Camry “traveling at a high rate of speed” and attempted a traffic stop. The driver did not yield, Zick said.

Deputies and California Highway Patrol officers pursued the car into Ventura County and deployed a spike strip near Highway 101 and Telephone Road.

“Despite the deployment, the suspect vehicle continued southbound before exiting the freeway at Johnson Drive, where three occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot,” Zick said.

Personnel with the Sheriff’s Office, the Highway Patrol, the Ventura Police Department and canine units searched the area and located two suspects.

Zick said the investigation is ongoing.

“The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the assistance of the California Highway Patrol and Ventura Police Department in bringing this pursuit to a safe conclusion and apprehending two of the suspects,” she added.

She suggested that community members who want to decrease the risk of catalytic converter theft park in well-lit areas and garages if possible.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity should report it to law enforcement, she added.