On March 27th 2022, at about 4:10 PM, a Lassen County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was on patrol near Highway 36, just West of Willard Rd. The Deputy observed a blue Chevrolet pickup parked behind gold Cadillac sedan.
The Deputy contacted 2 male subjects who walked from the front of the pickup and appeared to be manipulating an item. One of the males stated the Cadillac did not belong to them.
The Deputy observed several freshly cut catalytic converters located in the rear of the pickup. The Deputy inspected the Cadillac and observed the catalytic converter had been cut and removed from the undercarriage of the vehicle. It was determined that the suspects had used a vehicle jack and a battery powered reciprocating saw to steal the catalytic converter from the vehicle.
The Deputy discovered methamphetamine, methamphetamine paraphernalia and heroin paraphernalia on the suspects’ person and inside of their vehicle.
One of the suspects, identified as Andrew Tidwell, provided the Deputy with false identification. It was determined that Tidwell had an active warrant for his arrest. The other suspect, Jonathan Martin, was determined to be on active Lassen County Probation.
Both Tidwell and Martin were placed under arrest and booked into the Lassen County Jail on the following charges:
Andrew Tidwell: PC 148.9(a) provide false ID to law enforcement officer, PC 182(a)(1) conspiracy and H&S 11364(a) possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jonathan Martin: PC 487(a) grand theft, PC 182(a)(1) conspiracy, H&S 11364(a) possession of drug paraphernalia, H&S 11377(a) possession of controlled substance and CVC 10852 tamper with vehicle.
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.
If anyone is missing a catalytic converter, please contact the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office.
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank California Fish and Wildlife for their assistance.
Sergeant Bryan Sullivan
Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
