They may have saved the bad guy from a terrible death:
Man dies after being struck by vehicle while attempting to steal catalytic convertor, police say
KCRA ^ | 4-12-2022 | KCRA
Posted on 4/14/2022, 11:59:35 AM by willk
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A man died after he was struck by a vehicle while police believe he was attempting to steal a catalytic converter in Sacramento, authorities said Tuesday.
Officers responded to the 8100 block of Timberlake Drive just before 4:45 a.m. Monday for reports of a collision involving a pedestrian, Sacramento police said. The pedestrian had serious injuries from the crash and he was later pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.
Investigators said they think the man was tampering with the vehicle and trying to steal a catalytic converter before the crash.
Police said the driver of the vehicle was contacted at the scene, and the investigation remains active.
No other details were released.
What a shame.