3 Suspects Accused Of Trying To Steal ATM From CT Diner: Police

FAIRFIELD, CT — Two Bridgeport men and a Stratford man were recently arrested on warrants by Fairfield police in connection with the attempted theft of an ATM from the Southport Diner in February, according to authorities.

The incident occurred on Feb. 2 when police were alerted to a break in at the Post Road diner. When officers arrived, they found the diner sustained "significant damage" from someone trying to remove the ATM, but ultimately failing.

Through an extensive investigation, detectives were able to determine the identities of the suspects, and discover that the three were suspects in several burglaries throughout the state, according to Fairfield Police Sgt. Jenna Wellington.

Arrested were Edgar Crespo, 34, of Stratford; Donnie James, 22, of Bridgeport; and Francisco Ayala, 24, of Bridgeport.

"Through their investigation, Fairfield Police Detectives determined that James and Crespo broke into the diner and attempted to remove the ATM, while Ayala acted as the driver," Wellington told Patch.

Crespo and James were charged with:

• Third-degree burglary
• Conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary
• Criminal attempt at third-degree larceny
• First-degree criminal mischief

Ayala was charged with:

• Third-degree burglary
• Criminal attempt at third-degree larceny

All three remain in custody; Crespo is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on April 28, James on April 24, and Ayala on May 6.

"The Fairfield Police Department would like to commend the members of the Detective Bureau for their professionalism and exemplary work throughout this investigation," Wellington said. "We also extend our sincere gratitude to the
Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force and the Bridgeport Fusion Center for their critical support during several phases
of the investigative process. Their ongoing partnership with our department is vital to the success of complex
investigations and demonstrates the strength of interagency cooperation in promoting public safety.

"This case highlights the importance of regional collaboration in addressing property crimes and holding those
responsible accountable."

Anyone who may have information related to the case is urged to contact the Fairfield Police Detective Bureau at 203-254-4840, Wellington said.

Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted via the Fairfield PD mobile app, by texting the keyword FPDCT and the message to 847411 (Tip411), or online at fpdct.com/tips.