Naperville man arrested in catalytic converter thefts

A Naperville man has been charged with stealing numerous catalytic converters from under automobiles, Naperville Police officials said.

Samuel J. Collier, 28, of the 700 block of Inland Avenue, was arrested Wednesday by members of the Naperville Police Departments Major Crimes Unit after he was found under a car in a parking lot at 475 Fairway Drive, said Sgt. Gregg Bell of the Naperville Police Department.

Collier was found removing a catalytic converter from a 1999 Toyota 4 Runner.

As a result of Collier's arrest, Bell said, over 10 similar thefts have been cleared in Naperville and Warrenville.

He said the Warrenville Police Department assisted in the investigation.

Collier has officially been charged with theft of property exceeding $300, a class 4 felony.

Collier is currently being held in the DuPage County Jail and is awaiting a bond hearing.