Branford police arrested two New Haven teenage boys at a condo complex earlier this week, charging them with stealing money from unlocked cars. But how the two juveniles, ages 15 and 17, found their way from New Haven to the condos at 45 Jefferson Road in Branford remains a mystery.
“We really don’t know how they got there,” Capt. Geoffrey Morgan said in answer to a question posed by the Eagle on whether police had determined the pair drove from New Haven to this particular condo complex. “We don’t know if they have a car.”
It is possible that the two boys, who were arrested shortly after midnight Tuesday morning, were with others, visiting friends or family at the Thimble Islands Condominiums at 45 Jefferson Road.
Police said that they received a 911 call from an alert resident who told police she watched as the two boys went into parked cars within the condo parking area and began to rummage around.
According to police, Lt. John Alves, who commands the midnight shift, said that Officers Michael O’Connor, Christopher Cope, Bryan McGinnis and Jeffrey Zadjura “swiftly located one youth, 17, and another, 15, both from New Haven, within the condo area. Police said both juveniles had gone into a number of unlocked cars, rummaging through personal belongings and taking money.”
Police Chief Kevin Halloran said the arrests serve as a reminder to the public. First, Halloran said, “If you see something, say something by immediately reporting it to police.” Second, “Please remember to lock your vehicle when unattended to reduce the opportunity of becoming a victim by potential thieves.”
Both juveniles were referred to New Haven Juvenile Court on charges of burglary in the third degree, a felony, and larceny in the sixth degree, a misdemeanor. Both were later released to an immediate family member, police said. They did not say if the immediate family member lived in New Haven or Branford.
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