On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at approximately 7:25 a.m., an officer from the CHP Moorpark Area office was on routine patrol when he encountered a disabled vehicle stopped on the right shoulder of the eastbound SR-118 freeway, east of First Street. The officer stopped behind the vehicle, a black 2005 Dodge Magnum, to verify if the driver and his sole passenger needed assistance.

During the contact with the occupants of the vehicle, officers located nine catalytic converters that had been obviously cut from vehicles, two battery-powered reciprocating saws commonly used to quickly cut and steal catalytic converters, and an auto battery with cut power cables still attached.

The driver, Colton Wayne Dunivan, 36, and his passenger, Logan Thomas Smith, 27, both of Lancaster, were both arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail and charged with receiving stolen property, conspiracy, and possession of burglary tools.

CHP investigators were able to identify several victims from the Simi Valley area during their investigation.

The CHP would like to remind the public to park in well-lit areas, utilize local Etch and Catch programs to deter thieves and help us reunite victims with stolen catalytic converters, and if you see something say something. This will help us identify these crimes as they are happening.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.