Man Accused Of Stealing Cars Arrested In Shelton: Police

SHELTON, CT — A city man accused of stealing cars was arrested Wednesday after officers found him hiding in a crawl space inside a Shelton home, according to police.

In a news release, Police Det. Christopher Nugent said the arrest followed an investigation into street takeovers and stolen vehicles by the department.

With help from several local agencies, police identified Jonathan Damato, 20, of Shelton, as a suspect in a recent rash of stolen vehicles, Nugent said.

Shelton police previously located a stolen vehicle at Damato's home and also recovered a vehicle in close proximity of his residence linking him to the theft, according to Nugent.

After further investigation, officers received information that Damato is an organizer in recent local street takeovers, Nugent said.

Police, along with a DEA Task Force, Statewide Narcotics Task Force/Bureau of Special Investigations and a West Haven K9 officer, executed a search warrant at Damato's home Wednesday as part of their investigation, according to Nugent. Police also held two arrest warrants for Damato.

Damato was found hiding in a crawl space inside the home by officers and arrested, Nugent said.

Damato was charged with two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle and interfering with a search. His bond was set at $150,500 and he was scheduled to be arraigned in court Thursday, according to Nugent.

A North Haven resident was also arrested and charged with interfering with a search, Nugent said. The resident was released on a $500 bond and is scheduled to appear in court next month.