SFPD Arrests Catalytic Converter Thieves, Seize Firearm 22-160
On October 25, 2022, at approximately 3:11 a.m., officers from Northern Station were patrolling the area of Turk Street and Nido Avenue when they observed a sedan vehicle lifted off the ground by a floor jack with individuals near the vehicle. The officers had the knowledge and experience that catalytic converter thefts generally occur overnight and have multiple suspects who use various tools involved. Officers exited the patrol car with lights activated to detain the suspects and investigate the incident.
Upon exiting the vehicle, one of the officers ordered the suspects to stop. One of the suspects, later identified as 38-year-old Hayward resident David Rivera, turned around and started running. Officers ordered Rivera to get on the ground and he continued running. During a foot pursuit the suspect jumped and scaled multiple fences and the officer lost sight of the suspect.
Additional officers on scene detained two additional suspects identified as 52-year-old Terry Gainey and 51-year-old Jennifer Barnett, who was in the driver’s seat of the suspect vehicle. Gainey and Barnett are also Hayward residents. Officers observed a drill, saw and catalytic converter in plain view.
Officers continued the search for Rivera in the area that he was last seen and noticed movement in nearby bushes. Officers ordered Rivera out and Rivera complied and was taken into custody.
While investigating, officers discovered that the catalytic converter on the sedan lifted by the floor jack had been partially cut and officers located an additional cutting tool near the vehicle. Officers identified the registered owner of the victim vehicle who lived close by and notified them of the arrest and attempted theft.
A firearm that was not serialized also known as a “ghost gun” was also located at the scene.
Rivera was booked on charges of grand theft (487(a) PC), burglary in the second degree (459 2nd PC) tampering with a vehicle (10852(a) CVC), conspiracy to commit a felony (182(a)(1)PC), vandalism (594(b)(1)PC), receiving stolen property (496(a)PC), possession of burglary tools (466 PC) and resisting arrest (148(a)(1) PC).
Gainey was booked on charges of grand theft (487(a) PC), burglary in the second degree (459 2nd PC) tampering with a vehicle (10852(a) CVC), conspiracy to commit a felony (182(a)(1)PC), vandalism (594(b)(1)PC), receiving stolen property (496(a)PC), possession of burglary tools (466 PC), possession of a loaded firearm (25800 PC), unlawful purchase, receipt disposal, sale, offer for sale, or possession with knowledge of change, alteration, removal, or obliteration (23920 PC) and constructing a firearm (29180 PC).
Barnett was booked on charges of grand theft (487(a) PC), burglary in the second degree (459 2nd PC) tampering with a vehicle (10852(a) CVC), conspiracy to commit a felony (182(a)(1)PC), vandalism (594(b)(1)PC), receiving stolen property (496(a)PC) and possession of burglary tools (466 PC).
All three suspects were transported to San Francisco County Jail. Photos of the seized firearm, tools and catalytic converter accompany this news release.
While arrests have been made, this remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.
SFPD Case #220-733-617