Report by Paula Antolini, November 23 2022, 6:08PM EDT
Press Release 11/22/22
In January of this year, the Town of Brookfield began to experience a significant increase in daytime catalytic converter thefts.
Our investigations determined that many cases had several commonalities, including the time of day, location, suspect descriptions, and suspect vehicle used. Brookfield investigators were also aware that many other towns across the state were experiencing a similar trend in daytime catalytic converter thefts, including the same suspects and vehicles.
Through various investigative techniques, including search warrants, surveillance, and collaborative efforts with the Danbury Police Department, we located and positively identified at least one suspect and one suspect vehicle, mainly the black 2016 Honda Accord.
On November 21, 2022, Brookfield Detectives simultaneously executed four search and seizure warrants and one arrest warrant in Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Woodbury. We were assisted by our canine unit and patrol division, as well as the Danbury Police Detective Bureau and Special Investigations Division, Waterbury Police Department, Bridgeport Police Department, DEA Taskforce, and other agencies.
The subject of the warrant was taken into police custody on the authority of the arrest warrant without incident. The black 2016 Honda Accord was also seized and searched under a court-approved search warrant. The search warrants located evidence related to the catalytic converter thefts as well as firearms, large capacity magazines, suspected narcotics, scales, cash counting machines, and other items of evidentiary value.
This arrest is part of a continuing investigation, and additional charges are expected to be filed.
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