2 NY Men Stole Cooking Oil From Southbury Restaurant: Police

SOUTHBURY, CT — Two New York men were arrested in Southbury on larceny charges Tuesday after police said the stole cooking oil from a restaurant.

Officers from the Southbury Police Department responded to the Rathskeller Restaurant and Bar, at 88 Main Street South, on a call they received shortly before 8:30 a.m.

Police went in looking for white Ford van with two occupants, both wearing yellow reflective vests, last seen traveling westbound on Main Street South.

Officers converged on the area and located the van a short time later, according to their report. The van was occupied by two men, ages 19 and 26, both wearing reflective vests in the parking lot of Chatfleld's True Value located at 190 Main Street South.

According to police, one of the suspects admitted to stealing the cooking oil by pumping it into their own container. Police notified the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, who responded with officers in HAZMAT gear to properly dispose of the 286 gallons of cooking oil found inside the van.

The New Yorkers were charged with first-degree criminal trespass and fourth-degree larceny. Both were released from custody on a $1,000 bond and are scheduled to appear at Waterbury Superior Court on March 26.