On the evening of Sunday, 04/24/21, officers with the Huntsville Police Department were dispatched to a theft in progress call. A witness had observed 4 suspects, Delvin Jermel Whitehead, Tyler Grand Rivers, Corday Naaman Spivey and Jeff Johnson IV in the process of stealing catalytic converters at an apartment complex in the 2100 block of Sycamore, known as The Grove apartments. Upon their arrival, the officers found that officers with the Sam Houston University Police Department had arrived before them and had detained the suspect vehicle, a white Chevrolet Impala, as it was leaving the apartment complex. After the suspects were detained, a search of the vehicle revealed marijuana in several areas of the vehicle. Additionally, work gloves and a “saws-all” were located in the vehicle. Although the suspects fled before their successful taking of the catalytic converter, they had cut most of the converter out of the vehicle officers found during their investigation. One of the witnesses to the incident also provided a video of the incident and provided it to the investigating officers. 

     The suspects, Whitehead, Rivers, Spivey and Johnson, were arrested on the charge of Possession of Marijuana, Misdemeanor A (due to the amount of marijuana found), and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Misdemeanor A, as they were committing theft as a group. A Misdemeanor A is punishable by a term in jail of up to one year and/or a fine of up to $4000. 

     Chief of Police Kevin Lunsford said, “Our department, as well as other departments nearby, has had an on-going problem with theft of catalytic converters. This type of theft causes the victim substantial inconvenience on top of their monetary loss. We are happy to get this group in jail and prevent additional thefts. Also, I would like to thank officers with the Sam Houston State University Police Department for their assistance and quick action in bringing this investigation to a successful end.”