Bristol Teens Charged In Wolcott Gun Shop ‘Crash And Grab’ Theft: PD

WOLCOTT, CT — Police have arrested three teenagers for the theft of multiple weapons from Sportsmen’s Outpost in April.

The Wolcott Road business was burglarized on April 18, after a stolen Hyundai crashed through the front of the building. The three thieves took handguns and then used a stolen Kia to flee the scene.

Three people were seen on video committing the “crash and grab burglary,” police said.

The individuals who were arrested are all 16-year-old Bristol residents, and police did not identify them due to their ages.

The teens face multiple charges, including first-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal mischief, third-degree larceny, stealing a firearm, conspiracy, possession of weapons in a motor vehicle, carrying a pistol without a permit, and illegal alteration of firearm identification numbers.

Police said they believe the trio intended to sell the guns on the street for profit.

As of Tuesday, police said they had recovered all but one missing gun, and the investigation will continue until they find it. The stolen Kia was found later in a small lake in Bristol.

Wolcott police said the teens had assistance after the burglary from family and friends.

Bristol police announced on Facebook Tuesday that the department also lodged its own charges against the three juveniles.

Bristol police also charged four adult Bristol residents in connection to the Sportsmen’s Outpost burglary:

• Alvin Martinez, 45, was charged with illegal transfer of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, tampering with evidence, and operating while under suspension.
• Shane Erdmann, 20, was charged with illegal transfer of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, tampering with evidence, and improper storage of a firearm.
• Makiah Henry, 18, was charged with illegal transfer of a firearm and tampering with evidence.
• Jessica Henry, 36, was charged with tampering with evidence.