Two Arrested in Frederick County Following Attempted Catalytic Converter Theft

FREDERICK, Md. – Deputies from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office have arrested two individuals in connection with an attempted catalytic converter theft, according to information released by the office. The arrests occurred early this morning after deputies observed suspicious activity and intervened. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about vehicle part theft in the area.

During a targeted surveillance operation focused on vehicles linked to a series of recent catalytic converter thefts within Frederick County, deputies from the Proactive Criminal Enforcement (PACE) Team and the K-9 Unit identified a suspect vehicle. At approximately 2:45 a.m. on July 15, the vehicle was observed parking in the vicinity of Old Camp Road and Stonegate Drive. Authorities reported that one occupant exited the vehicle carrying a Sawzall and proceeded to crawl beneath a van parked nearby, appearing to be in the process of attempting to steal its catalytic converter. Deputies quickly converged on the scene, successfully taking both individuals into custody without any reported incidents.

The two men arrested have been identified as Robert Droneburg, 50, of Frederick, Maryland, and Jared Specht, 35, of Sykesville, Maryland. A subsequent search of the suspects and their vehicle yielded a number of items considered to be of evidentiary value. Among the recovered items were multiple tools commonly associated with the theft of catalytic converters, various registration plates, suspected controlled substances including fentanyl and methamphetamine, and two catalytic converters believed to have been stolen.

Following their arrest, Droneburg was charged with two counts of Possession of Burglary Tools – Motor Vehicle, two counts of Rogue and Vagabond, two counts of CDS Possession – Not Cannabis, and one count of CDS Possession of Paraphernalia. Specht faces charges including two counts of Possession of Burglary Tools – Motor Vehicle, two counts of Rogue and Vagabond, one count of CDS Possession – Not Cannabis, and one count of Failure to Obey a Lawful Order. After an appearance before a District Court Commissioner, both Droneburg and Specht were released on their own recognizance. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with further information regarding this incident or other related thefts to contact them at 301-600-1046 or to submit a tip through their dedicated tip line at 301-600-4131.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.

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