SoCal homeowner awakens to catalytic converter theft in progress, fatally stabs suspect

SOUTH EL MONTE, Calif. -- A South El Monte homeowner stabbed and killed a man after awakening to a catalytic theft in progress early Friday morning, authorities said.

The incident occurred shortly after 2:30 a.m. in the 11200 block of Thienes Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
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Deputies arrived at the scene to find a man in his late 40s suffering from a stab wound to his upper torso, investigators said. Firefighter-paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

"Investigators learned that the decedent along with possibly two other suspects were attempting to steal vehicle parts from a vehicle parked in the driveway of the location," the Sheriff's Department said in a news release.

The stabbing occurred after the resident exited the front door of the home and was confronted by the suspects, authorities said. The homeowner was detained for questioning.
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The other suspects were last seen fleeing eastbound on Thienes Avenue in a compact vehicle.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous calls can be made to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.