The owner of a San Leandro auto supply business was arrested at his store today on suspicion of trying to purchase stolen catalytic converters from undercover police officers, authorities said.Police said Christopher Panarra's willingness to buy the converters is directly related to hundreds of vehicle thefts in the Bay Area. Forty of the stolen cars have been recovered and 14 people have been arrested in connection with the thefts, authorities said.
Panarra, 44, who lives in Castro Valley, was arrested this morning at his Albran Court business, Converters West, the California Highway Patrol said.
A 10-month investigation showed that the San Leandro store was a "central delivery and processing location for the stolen converters," CHP Sgt. Les Bishop said in a statement.
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