Liberty Township police detectives are asking for the public's assistance in identifying the pictured male who is the suspect in the theft of catalytic converters from 2700 Youngstown Hubbard Road. Send messages on the the police department's Facebook or contact the department Tips Line 330-539-9830. All information will be considered confidential.

LIBERTY — The owner of Cleveland Auto Wrecking, 2700 Youngstown Hubbard Road, fought with and stabbed someone who was attempting to cut off catalytic converters from stored vehicles early this morning, according to police reports.

Emad M. Ali, 49, told investigators he began staying at the business last week because there had been a previous break-in and theft. He heard some noise outside about 12:31 a.m. when he got up to use the restroom, Ali said.

He saw a male getting out of a dark vehicle, who then jumped over a fence into the back of the salvage yard lot. Ali slipped outside and followed the sounds of a Sawzall reciprocating saw, the police report states.

Ali told police that walked up to the male lying on the ground under a vehicle as he was cutting the converter from it. He shone a flashlight on him and ordered him not to move. Ali then took a photo of the man’s face, according to the police report.

That’s when the would-be thief attacked, Ali told police. Ali said he stabbed the man in the buttocks in self-defense. The injured intruder got away, the police report states.

Liberty police posted the photograph him on the department’s website and is asking for help identifying the man. Police detectives ask that anyone who recognize the man to send them a message on the department’s Facebook page or to contact the Tips Line 330-539-9830. All information will be considered confidential.