Troy detectives arrest felon suspected in catalytic converter thefts

A 45-year-old felon from Warren is facing multiple charges in Troy for allegedly stealing catalytic converters, not cooperating with cops as they moved in to arrest him, and other crimes.

Shirawn James Hawkins is held in the Oakland County Jail, with bond set at $980,000 cash or surety.

The case against Hawkins unfolded when police detectives identified him as a suspect in multiple larcenies from vehicles in Troy and the surrounding area. Shortly before 5:30 a.m. on July 28, detectives reportedly saw Hawkins steal catalytic converters and then moved in to take him into custody — boxing in his vehicle in the vicinity of 13 Mile and Southfield roads.

According to the Troy Police Department, Hawkins refused to comply with officers’ demands, accelerating his vehicle and ramming the police car in front of him. He was then arrested.

Detectives confiscated a handgun on the car’s passenger seat, police said.

Hawkins is charged with two counts of larceny from a motor vehicle, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felon, felon in possession of a firearm, assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer, and driving while license suspended.

Police said it hasn’t been determined yet whether or not Hawkins is linked to a slew of other recently reported thefts of catalytic converters from parked cars in Troy. Ten incidents, reported from mid-to-late July, remain under investigation.

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