Southington Man Catches Suspected Car Thief

A Southington man used his legally registered handgun to stop a suspected car thief found inside the resident’s vehicle that he was warming up in his driveway early Tuesday, according to police.

Southington Police were called to the home in the 1600 block of Mount Vernon Road on Jan. 12, at about 6:40 a.m. on a report that someone was attempting to steal a car from the driveway. “It was also reported that the homeowner was holding the suspect at gun point,” according to a police report.

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“The homeowner was allowing his vehicle to warm up in the driveway when he was alerted by a family member that someone was sitting inside the vehicle,” police said.

The homeowner found the suspect sitting in the vehicle and it appeared that he was attempting get the vehicle into gear, according to police. The homeowner opened the car door and told suspect to get out of the vehicle and then stepped back and drew his firearm, police said.

The suspect, identified as Joshua Ramirez, 21, of Bristol, then exited the vehicle valued at more than $23,000 and slowly walked away from the homeowner and down the driveway.

Responding officers took Ramirez into custody without incident at the end of the driveway, police said.

Ramirez was charged with criminal attempt at first-degree larceny, third-degree burglary, second-degree criminal trespass and second-degree breach of peace.

Ramirez was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond and given a court date of Jan. 25, in state Superior Court in Bristol.

Police said the handgun was legally registered and the homeowner has a valid Connecticut pistol permit.

Southington Police photo: Joshua Ramirez.