Suffield Cops Bust Would-Be Computer Thief With Decoy Package: PD

SUFFIELD, CT — A New York man is accused of using a local resident’s credit card information to make fraudulent charges and buy a new Apple MacBook computer.

According to police, the man had the computer delivered to an unoccupied house, and police were able to capture him after he tried to pick it up.

On Saturday, police charged Tyrik L. Mitchell, 25, of Hollis, New York, with third-degree identity theft, criminal attempt to commit fourth-degree larceny, and engaging police in pursuit.

A resident notified police around 11 a.m. Saturday that their identity had been stolen and fraudulent charges had been made on their credit cards, according to police.

An Apple MacBook computer had been purchased and was being shipped to an unoccupied residence, the victim told police.

Officers believed there was a high probability whoever was responsible would try to pick up the package at that address. Police intercepted the real package from the delivery company, then set up a decoy package at the empty house and waited for the suspect to arrive, police said.

Around 2:30 p.m., a vehicle stopped in front of the unoccupied house and Mitchell approached the decoy package, according to police. Officers approached and informed him he was being detained, police said.

Police said Mitchell attempted to flee in his vehicle, but cops used tire deflation devices to stop him. Police found his vehicle a short distance away at a gas station and took him into custody, according to police.

Mitchell is due to be arraigned in Superior Court in Hartford on April 1.