'Series Of Catalytic Converter Thefts' Leads To Charges: Brookfield PD

BROOKFIELD, CT — Police said a Bridgeport man has been charged in connection with a "series of catalytic converter thefts" that occurred between April and September 2022, as well as "motor vehicle burglaries" in September 2023.

Police said one year ago they began an investigation into catalytic converter thefts, and they obtained an arrest warrant for a Waterbury resident. One person was arrested and a second suspect was developed, police said.

On Sept. 28, 2023, a victim reported the theft of their purse from their car, which was parked on Federal Road, police said. The purse contained numerous credit and debit cards and personal items belonging to the victim, police said.

Police said they learned that a male suspect was arrested in Bridgeport on Oct. 3 while "committing multiple motor vehicle burglaries" in a vehicle, newer model Toyota Camry, that matched the description of the Brookfield incidents.

Police also said when the suspect was charged in Bridgeport, he was in possession of property belonging to the Brookfield victim, police said.

A warrant was served on the suspect, who is charged with first-degree larceny, first-degree criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny, and conspiracy to commit first-degree criminal mischief in connection with the 2022 catalytic converter thefts, police said. He was also charged with fourth-degree larceny in connection with the 2023 theft from the motor vehicle, police said.

The suspect posted a $22,500 bond for both cases, police said.