Police Drone Used To Follow Suspect To Stash Of Stolen Items

HAVERSTRAW, NY — A stash of stolen items was recovered with a little help from above, according to police.

The Haverstraw Police Department says that they located the suspect linked to a string of thefts from unlocked vehicles within the Village of Haverstraw. Investigators then canvassed the area to try to find him.

On Thursday, around 10 p.m., plainclothes officers saw the suspect walking on a road in the village. Officers on the ground then coordinated with Haverstraw PD drone operators, who monitored the suspect from above to see if he would head to the location of the stolen property.

They saw the suspect entering a vacant building in the village. Ground officers then responded to the location, where the suspect was safely taken into custody.

After searching the building, police found a large horde of stolen property linked to previously reported thefts.

Police say that 37-year-old Wellington Remigio, of Haverstraw, was taken to Haverstraw Police Department headquarters for processing and interview. He was charged with felony second-degree forgery, misdemeanor fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, and sixteen felony counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.

Haverstraw police say that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may follow as property continues to be identified and returned to rightful owners.

The Haverstraw Police Department took the opportunity to remind residents to always lock their vehicles and report suspicious activity immediately. Anyone who believes they may have had property stolen recently is asked to contact the Haverstraw Police Department at 845-354-1500.