Georgia man crushed to death under car while trying to steal catalytic converter, police say
CHANTHAM COUNTY, GEORGIA: Authorities in Chatham County, Georgia, believe that a man was killed while attempting to steal a catalytic converter. According to the Chatham County Police Department, the evidence indicated that the person who was found dead underneath a car was violently removing the part when the automobile rolled over him.
The police department noted this in a Facebook post that states, "Chatham County Police Department detectives believe an accidental death that occurred on Tuesday at a local business was the result of an attempted catalytic converter theft." The post further adds, "Chatham County Police Department officers were called to Prestige Auto Sales at 4513 Ogeechee Road around 9:15 a.m. on March 7, 2023, after a deceased adult male was found under a vehicle in the car lot."
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'The individual has been detained over 12 times'
The post add, "Evidence at the scene indicates that the man was killed while he was illegally removing a catalytic converter from the vehicle, and the vehicle fell on top of him. The deceased was identified as 32-year-old Matthew Eric Smith." It further adds, "In 2022, 39 catalytic converters were stolen in 24 separate incidents in unincorporated Chatham County."
Police records show that the individual has been detained over 12 times, according to WSAV. The incident happened at South Bound Car Sales, according to reports Mike Abouharb, the proprietor, urges would-be thieves to refrain from doing so. He said, "Is it worth it? To steal a catalytic converter to sell for $100. To lose your life? It's not." He further added, "They're business owners, so while they are still processing what they saw, they have to keep it running." Mike further added, "It's been disarray. Upset. Angry"
'Get a job. Do something. And stop stealing'
He further added, "What happened...I think that's the straw that broke the camel's back. And if there will be a future at all..." He went on and added, "Everybody thinks the car business, you're shoveling money. But you make a little money, then get a hit like this and it makes a big toll. It's a hardship. It's not worth it." At last, he meant, "Get a job. Do something. And stop stealing." He added, "We work very hard for what we get," as per reports.