3 arrested in connection with catalytic converter thefts in Punta Gorda

A father, his son and his son’s girlfriend were arrested in Punta Gorda on Tuesday after an investigation of stolen catalytic converters revealed drugs and illegally owned firearms in their home.

Collier County Sheriff’s deputies went to an RV storage lot in Punta Gorda after receiving a call from a man reporting his two catalytic converters being stolen; the man started his RV and noticed it was louder than usual, then proceeded to look underneath and discovered the catalytic converters had been cut off. While at the scene, deputies discovered a second RV from which the converters had also been removed. During their investigation, they found a hole had been cut in the chain-link fence around the property.

Meanwhile, deputies pulled over a vehicle being driven by a woman named Haley Martin, 19. Her front seat passenger, Jason Fisher, 46, had a warrant for grand theft charges related to a catalytic converter case dating back to Aug. 2021. He was taken into custody for this warrant.

Fisher’s backpack was searched after his arrest, and inside deputies found a cordless Sawzall, several Sawzall blades and a large pair of cutters, all matching the suspected items involved in the catalytic converter thefts.

At Fisher’s home on Safford Street, deputies saw an open panel with what appeared to be a catalytic converter in plain view. This, combined with the items found in Fisher’s backpack, led to a search warrant being approved. While deputies were preparing the warrant, Jason Fisher’s son, Caleb Fisher, 21, arrived after being told CCSO was there.

After Haley martin left the home carrying an infant, the search revealed multiple firearms, including one confirmed to be stolen out of Hillsborough County, and several boxes of ammunition. Two handguns had been hidden in a washing machine and a rifle had been covered with a blanket in the room belonging to Caleb Fisher and Martin.

Jason Fisher’s room was also searched, and deputies found a plastic baggie containing methamphetamine along with two additional handguns and various ammunition. As convicted felons, neither Fisher can legally possess firearms.

Jason Fisher faces charges of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine, 100 grams), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of drug paraphernalia. Caleb Fisher faces a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Haley Fisher faces charges of tampering with physical evidence to impede an investigation, possession of a controlled substance (THC, 54 grams) and child neglect without bodily harm.

All three are being held at the Charlotte County Jail with no bond at this time.