Catalytic Convertor Theft and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle Arrests

On 12/23/22, at approximately 9:34 a.m., numerous SRPD officers responded to the 70 block of W. 3rd St in regard to an unknown problem. Upon arrival, officers learned that three female suspects attempted to drive a Toyota Highlander through a closed gate that was blocked by an older model Ford Mustang. The owner of the Mustang was in the process of opening the gate when the Highlander struck his Mustang and inevitably high centered on the hood of the Mustang. The three occupants of the Highlander fled on foot toward Pierson St and two of the suspects were last seen walking onto a nearby residential property in the 100 block of Pierson St. The third suspect was last seen walking westbound on W. 3^rd St. As the investigation unfolded, it was determined the Toyota Highlander was reported as a stolen vehicle out of S. San Francisco. The Highlander was equipped with a stolen plate from another Toyota and also contained two stolen catalytic converters, one of which belonged to the Ford Mustang.

Officers set up a perimeter and utilized a drone for assistance in locating the outstanding suspects, which was unsuccessful. Officers then conducted a physical check of the area where two of the suspects were last seen and located the two suspects hiding in a small bathroom adjacent to the residence. The two suspects were taken into custody without incident. The owner of the Ford Mustang positively identified the two suspects as the driver and front passenger of the Highlander at the time of this incident. The third suspect was not located.

Officers located several pieces of mail and identifying information that appeared to have been stolen from a residential area in Petaluma inside the Highlander. There were also new, unboxed tools and other burglary tools often used to cut catalytic converters from vehicles in the passenger compartment of the Highlander.

Property Crimes Investigations team detectives were contacted and responded to the department to assist with the investigation. Both suspects were booked into the Sonoma County Jail. 

The suspects and charges are as follows:

Raechelle Howard, 27 year old Oakland resident was booked into the Sonoma County Jail for the following felony violations:
594(b)(1) PC (2 counts) - Vandalism
182(a)(1) PC - Conspiracy
530.5(c)(3) PC - ID Theft
496d(a) PC - Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
529(a)(3) PC- Impersonate Another
4573.6(a) PC - Bring Narcotic/Controlled Substance into Jail

Michaela Hicks, 29 year old San Leandro resident was booked into the Sonoma County Jail for the following felony violations:
594(b)(1) {C - Vandalism
182(a)(1) PC - Conspiracy
530.5(c)(3) PC - ID Theft