Stolen Vehicle Recovery with Arrest
During the overnight hours on 06/30/17 a Jeep Cherokee was stolen from a residence in the Shippan Area of Stamford. When the owners of the vehicle noticed that their vehicle was taken from their driveway an Officer responded and put out a broadcast, with the marker plate, to other Officers working that shift.
At approximately 1445 hrs Officer David Squiteri was departing an extra duty job in the area of High Ridge Rd and Bradley Place. He then observed a vehicle fitting that description pulling into the parking lot of 856 High Ridge Rd. Ofc Squiteri called dispatch and confirmed that the marker plate matched the vehicle that was stolen earlier in the day. He also noticed that the vehicle was occupied by four persons.
Ofc Squiteri kept the vehicle under constant observation as he called for backup. Ofc Timothy Inverno who was departing another side job in the area arrived to assist and they both kept the vehicle in sight until the patrol division arrived.
A short time later the vehicle started to reverse out of the parking spot as Ofc George Momplaisir arrived. The Officers converged on the vehicle and removed all persons from the vehicle. All occupants were juveniles (3 males and 1 female) and were handcuffed without incident. As the suspects were searched two of the occupants possessed credit cards from the owner of the vehicle. A subsequent investigation revealed that several of the owner’s credit cards were used during the day. Also, on this day Fairfield and Westport Police Departments initiated a M/V pursuit with the vehicle for reckless operation but the pursuits were called off for safety reasons.
The Juveniles were charged with Larceny 1st degree, Conspiracy at Larceny 1st degree, Criminal Mischief 1st degree, Conspiracy Criminal Mischief 1st degree, and Criminal possession of a stolen credit card. The operator was additionally charged with Operation without a license. One Juvenile was transported to Bridgeport Detention center due to his previous history and this incident. The other three were released to their parents.
The Stamford Police Department would like to commend Ofc Squiteri for being vigilant while off duty. With the help of Ofc Inverno and Momplaisir they were able to take these four suspects into custody without incident and causing any injuries to themselves or the public. They should all be lauded for their professionalism and calmness in the handling of this incident.
The Stamford Police Department provides an average of 40 extra duty Officers a day to construction jobs throughout the City. These Officers add an additional force of eyes and ears throughout the city on any given day and therefore assists the Department with making Stamford the safest City in the Northeas