Two arrested in Joplin after being caught stealing catalytic converter

Two men have been arrested after they were caught in the act of allegedly trying to steal a catalytic converter at a Joplin business. Read the full press release below:

On Friday, January 8th, 2021 at approximately 04:18 am, the Joplin Emergency Communications Center received a call of suspicious activity taking place at Comer’s Wrecker Service at 1204 S. Illinois Avenue in Joplin.

Officers arrived on scene and found a lock on the gate to the secured lot had been cut. Officers set up a perimeter around the business and began searching the area. Two male suspects were found inside the secure area of the business and one was apprehended by a Joplin Police K9. The other suspect voluntarily surrendered shortly thereafter.

During the investigation, it was found the two suspects had cut the lock on the property gate, entered the tow lot, used a floor jack to lift a vehicle inside the tow yard, and were caught in the act of attempting to use a reciprocating saw to cut off the vehicles catalytic converter. Both suspects were transported to the Joplin City Jail and remain in custody at this time.

Charges are being sought against Destry E. Slaughter, age 37, of Goodman, Missouri, for Trespassing in the 1st Degree, Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the 2nd Degree, Possession of Burglary Tools, Property Damage in the 2nd Degree, and Resisting Arrest.

The other suspect, Patrick D. Henry, age 40, of Exeter, Missouri, was arrested on charges of Trespassing the 1st Degree, Tampering with a Motor Vehicle in the 2nd Degree, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Property Damage in the 2nd Degree.