CRANBERRY TWP — Two men allegedly stealing catalytic converters from parked cars last month were spotted by a passer-by who helped police make an arrest.

Michael R. Miller, 25, of Rochester, Beaver County, Friday waived to court charges of theft by unlawful taking, conspiracy and criminal mischief, all misdemeanors. A receiving stolen property charge was withdrawn in district court. He is in Butler County Prison on $5,000 bail.

Taylor M. Baldt, 28, of Mars is facing theft by unlawful taking, conspiracy, receiving stolen property, possession of an instrument of crime and criminal mischief charges. He is in the prison on $10,000 bail and will have a preliminary hearing Sept. 2.

Police were dispatched to a report of two males doing something underneath a vehicle at the Kenny Ross dealership on Route 19 on the night of July 24, according to the criminal complaint filed by township police.

The tipster stayed near the scene to relay to dispatchers that the men left the dealership and were walking northbound along Route 19.

An officer then apprehended Baldt and Miller as they were getting into a Chevrolet SUV, which was parked at a nearby gas station.

They allegedly were in possession of a catalytic converter, WD-40 and other tools. At the dealership, officers found a Dodge pickup truck that had the screws around its converter loosened. The grass beneath the truck had recently been matted down, according to the complaint.

The cost of a new converter plus the cost to install it is about $510.

Baldt has a history of stealing car parts. Last year he was convicted of stealing converters from numerous cars in Butler and Allegheny counties. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six to 12 months in prison and three years of probation.