An early-morning van theft attempt in Milford turned into a brief neighborhood showdown Monday, ending with the arrest of 24-year-old Cristian Romero and a pile of charges tied to a string of overnight vehicle break-ins, according to police.
Officers said they spotted a man matching a suspect description near the intersection of East Main and Plain streets at about 1:26 a.m., took him into custody after a quick on-scene investigation, and brought him to Milford District Court for arraignment later that morning.
Police Statement
According to the Milford Police Department's Facebook post, the incident kicked off shortly after 1 a.m., when the Public Safety Communications Center received a 911 call from a Hayward Street resident. She reported that her husband had confronted a man who was allegedly trying to steal his van.
Chief Robert Tusino wrote, "Officers responded quickly as the report of the vehicle owner struggling with the suspect came into our communications center." He added, "I'm thankful that our officers were able to safely capture the suspect before any more homes or vehicles were burglarized."
How the Arrest Unfolded
Police said the suspect bolted on foot toward East Main Street while officers were on the way. A short time later, officers found a man who matched the description near East Main and Plain at about 1:26 a.m., as reported by Patch.
After an on-scene investigation, officers placed the man under arrest and later linked him to several vehicle entries that had been reported overnight, authorities said. He was transported to Milford District Court for arraignment Monday morning.
Overnight Break-Ins Reported
In the same overnight window, multiple victims called in reports of larcenies and break-ins involving their vehicles across the Milford area, according to the department. Investigators believe the arrested man is connected to those incidents.
The department said the arrest likely prevented additional burglaries that night, noting that officers located and safely captured the suspect before more homes or vehicles could be targeted, per the Milford Police Department.
Charges and Court Appearance
Police identified the suspect as 24-year-old Cristian Romero of Milford. He faces charges of breaking and entering a building at nighttime for a felony, two counts of breaking and entering a vehicle or boat at nighttime for a felony, larceny of a motor vehicle, and disturbing the peace, according to Patch.
All of the listed charges are allegations, and Romero is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He was arraigned at Milford District Court following his arrest.
Police Contact
The Milford Police Department is asking anyone with information, footage, or tips related to the incidents to contact the department. For media inquiries, the agency listed [email protected] as the contact email.
