Joint Operation Leads to Arrest of Bayonne Man for Catalytic Converter Thefts; Stolen Vehicle and Handgun Seized
SECAUCUS, NJ – A significant breakthrough in a series of catalytic converter thefts came to light on September 14, 2023, as the Secaucus Police Department, in a collaborative effort with the Bayonne Police Department, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the FBI, apprehended Randy Severino, a 24-year-old resident of Bayonne.
The trail leading to Severino’s arrest began on June 16, 2023. The Garfield Police Department had issued an alert about a suspicious white Honda Civic believed to be involved in catalytic converter thefts within their jurisdiction. In a dramatic turn of events, Secaucus Police Officer Jason Mitchell spotted the said vehicle on Route 3 East, speeding at over 100 mph in the early hours of the morning. Despite the police’s efforts to intercept, the vehicle evaded capture, disappearing into the streets of Jersey City. Investigations later revealed that the Honda Civic had been stolen from Newark in April 2023.
Detective Sean Egan of the Secaucus Police Detective Division played a pivotal role in connecting the dots. He discovered that the same Honda Civic had been seen in an industrial area of Secaucus earlier that night. Further investigations unveiled Severino’s alleged involvement in stealing numerous catalytic converters from five businesses in Secaucus.
The climax of this operation occurred on September 14, when Detective Sergeant Giacomo Sallustio, Detective Egan, and other detectives from collaborating agencies converged on Bayonne. Their mission was to serve Severino with arrest warrants for the crimes he was implicated in. As events unfolded, Severino was spotted exiting a Toyota Camry, which was later identified as a vehicle stolen from Jersey City. A brief foot chase ensued, culminating in Severino’s arrest. To add to the gravity of his crimes, a loaded 9mm Taurus Millennium semi-automatic pistol was found on him.
Chief Dennis Miller of the Secaucus Police Department expressed his gratitude to all the agencies involved, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in law enforcement. “When law enforcement works collaboratively with one another, criminals will operate with impunity. This arrest is just another example that car thieves pose a real threat to our communities,” he stated.
Severino now faces a slew of charges, including multiple counts of theft, criminal mischief, eluding police, receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of a handgun and its ammunition, resisting arrest, and motor vehicle theft. He is currently being held at the Hudson County Jail. It’s important to note that these charges are accusations, and Severino is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
