Man fires shot at SUV during attempted catalytic converter theft, Lincoln Police say

The man could face charges for firing a weapon, police say.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Lincoln man fired a single shot at a group of thieves while they were trying to steal his catalytic converter, Lincoln Police says.

The victim, a 22-year-old man, reported hearing “sawing noises” coming from his driveway near 62nd and Hartley Streets early Thursday morning.

The man opened his door and saw three men dressed in dark clothing under his vehicle, said police.  The man proceeded to reenter his home and retrieved a shotgun.

When he returned outside the men were getting into a dark-colored SUV that was parked in the street, police say.

The victim shot one round from his shotgun in the direction of the SUV while it was fleeing the area.  Police do not know if the SUV or any of the men were struck and say the man may face charges for firing the weapon.

The victim’s vehicle took $500 in damage but the catalytic converter was not actually removed.

There have been a handful of catalytic converter thefts recently bringing the year’s total to 513 as of yesterday.

2021 saw a total of 978 catalytic converter thefts throughout the year, 2020 only saw 274.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lincoln Police Department at 402-441-6000 or CrimeStoppers at 402-475-3600.