“Converter Crook” Busted Pulling Parts in Stolen Rainbow Van Full of Meth and Hello Kitty Paraphernalia!
Sunday service was not the wildest thing happening at St. Mary’s Church this week, after a man with multiple warrants turned a quiet parking lot into a full-blown crime scene.
Deputies rolled up on Jesse Friend, a.k.a. Jesse Walker, after tipsters spotted him messing with a silver Chevy Malibu behind the church — then trying to tow it away with a spray-painted multicolor Dodge Caravan that turned out to be stolen out of Ironton.
When officers approached the van, Jesse was caught red-handed — literally — holding a metal pipe and trying to yank a catalytic converter. When asked what he was doing, Jesse casually replied, “Trying to get the converter off this car.”
Spoiler: that’s not legal.
As one officer tried to cuff him, Jesse bolted. A wild foot chase followed, including a failed Taser shot. But the second zap landed, and Jesse went down like a sack of scrap metal.
When they searched him, officers found needles, a meth-like substance, and a story full of holes. Jesse claimed the coat, car, and contents were “not his” — classic.
Inside the van? A black and red bag, Hello Kitty sock (yes, really), a glass bubble pipe, female clothing, a spoon with residue, and a license plate that came back stolen (but later matched the van). Also, multiple needles in the glove box — a real mobile meth lab on wheels.
What About the Girl?
A female passenger was also on board. She said Jesse had picked her up in Ironton for a quick ciggie run. Apparently, she didn’t question the detour to a church parking lot or the rainbow spray-painted getaway van. She denied ownership of the pipe and residue-laced spoon, saying she “just smokes weed.” Uh-huh.
The Wrap-Up:
Both Jesse and his companion were hauled off to jail with a whole shopping list of charges.
JESSE FRIEND (WALKER) FACES:
- Possession of drugs
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of drug abuse instruments
- Receiving stolen property
- Resisting arrest
THE FEMALE PASSENGER FACES:
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of drug abuse instruments
- Receiving stolen property
The meth-like substance found in Jesse’s coat will be sent to BCI for testing.
And the van? A 1993 Dodge Caravan — formerly white, now a DIY disaster of spray-paint — was towed away, hopefully for the last time.
Lesson of the Day: If someone pulls up in a van that looks like a kindergarten art project, says they’re going to get a converter off “a friend’s car,” and their coat pockets jingle with glassware and needles… maybe don’t go along for the ride.