Arrest of Catalytic Converter Thieves

​VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – On February 1, 2022, at approximately 0322 hours, Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) officers responded to Indigo 19 Apartments located in the 1900 block of Pavilion Drive for a suspicious activity call for service. A witness indicated that they could hear a saw running in the parking lot and provided a description of a vehicle that appeared to be related. Once they arrived, officers located a vehicle that had its catalytic converter removed.

A short time later, officers located the suspect vehicle driving in the 500 block of First Colonial Road. A traffic stop was initiated, and officers observed two catalytic converters in plain view in the bed of the truck. One of the pieces was able to be linked to the vehicle from the earlier case in the apartment complex.

The individuals involved in the theft were identified as Barron Estes, a 33-year-old male from Virginia Beach and Jessica Lafontaine, a 34-year-old female from Portsmouth. Both were charged with misdemeanor larceny, felony destruction of property and tampering with auto.

This case is being investigated by the VBPD Detective Bureau and is ongoing at this time. If you have any information about this case, please call the VBPD Detective Bureau at 757-385-4101 or anonymously through Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887).