Joshua Roman, Katiria Rivera and Davson Rivera, all of Stratford, were arrested Dec. 13 and linked to over 20 area burglaries. Stratford Police photos.
Stratford Police say that a resident’s call to police reporting suspicious activity last week resulted in a major burglary arrest.
After receiving the tip of a possible burglary in process on Kovach Drive on Dec. 13, police arrested three Stratford residents believed to have been involved in between 20 and 30 burglaries in area towns in recent months. One of the suspects was armed with a stolen gun when arrested.
Following the arrest police recovered a large supply of what is believed to be items stolen from area homes. The items include vehicles, firearms, jewelry, computers, and various personal Christmas gifts.
As officers arrived at the Kovach Drive scene they determined that the house had been entered, and that the suspects had fled on foot, leaving their vehicle running at the scene. A suspect identified as Joshua Roman, age 19, of Stratford was captured almost immediately, according to police.
With the help of witnesses who provided descriptions of two other suspects who fled on foot, police apprehended a second suspect, Katiria Rivera, age 33, of Stratford a short time later on Huntington Road. She was found to be in possession of numerous articles of jewelry and cash money that was identified as items stolen from the residence on Kovach Drive.
The third and final suspect, identified as Davson Rivera, age 22, of Stratford, was apprehended on Nichols Avenue. At the time of arrest Davson Rivera was found to be in possession of stolen jewelry and a loaded firearm.
Subsequent investigation led to a search warrant for 22 Jackson Avenue, where all three suspects reside, and this is where the police found the supply of allegedly stolen items.
Stratford Police Detective Lt. Frank Eannotti reported on Dec. 19 that investigators are working with neighboring towns to identify owners of the stolen property, and that he believes the arrests will help close “as many as 30” burglaries and larcenies which have occurred in this and other towns.
Davson Rivera was charged with burglary, interfering with an officer, criminal possession of a firearm, theft of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a permit. He was held on a $250,000 dollar bond.
Katiria Rivera was charged with burglary, interfering with an officer and criminal trespass. She was held on a $50,000 dollar bond.
Joshua Roman was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary. He was held on a $5,000 dollar bond.
Stratford Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour said, “We are very pleased to finally catch the people who we believe have been burglarizing properties, especially because one was armed with a stolen weapon. Hopefully we will be able to return the stolen items to dozens of victims.”
Ridenhour said, “Thanks to a citizen, a neighbor who saw something suspicious and called police. This was a big break.”
The chief said he was pleased also because police see an increase in home burglaries at this time of year with deliveries of packages, and people knowing there are gifts inside homes.
“If you have a security system, use it,” Ridenhour said. “If you see something suspicious, call the police.”