CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. — A man allegedly attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a Georgia auto shop was crushed to death when the vehicle he was under collapsed on Tuesday, authorities said.
Matthew Eric Smith, 32, of Chatham County, was found dead under the vehicle at about 9:15 a.m. EST at South Bound Auto Sales, WSAV-TV reported. He was identified on Wednesday, according to the television station.
Business owner Mike Abouharb said he found the man’s body when he arrived at work.
UPDATE: We brought you an exclusive on camera interview with this business yesterday. Chatham Co. detectives are now confirming 32-year-old Matthew Eric Smith’s death was “the result of an attempted catalytic converter theft.” https://t.co/bXHLOhilXL
— Alyssa Jackson WTOC (@thealyssaj) March 8, 2023
“I didn’t even get close to him,” Abouharb told WTOC-TV. “I called the police right away.”
According to Chatham County detectives, Smith’s death appears to be “accidental,” adding that no foul play was suspected, the television station reported.
Chief Jeff Hadley of the Chatham County Police Department said the expensive metals used to make catalytic converters make them attractive for potential thieves.
Abouharb said it was not worth the risk.
“Is it worth it? To steal a catalytic converter to sell for $100,” Abouharb told WTOC. “To lose your life? It’s not.”
The Chatham County Police Department said that 39 catalytic converters were stolen in unincorporated areas of the county during 2022, WSAV reported.
“A human life got destroyed for a stupid thing, to lose a life like that,” Abouharb told WJCL-TV. “There’s not enough money to make it worth a life.”
