FAIRFIELD, Conn. An off-duty Westport police officer thwarted a car burglary Friday evening in Fairfield, according to police reports. Carlos L. Santos, 37, of Bridgeport was charged with burglary, robbery and other charges after the incident.
The alleged burglary attempt occurred outside Pepes Pizza on Commerce Drive at about 5:45 p.m. Friday. A suspect broke a window on a car parked outside the restaurant, police said. The man also damaged the cars door handle and dashboard, causing an estimated $2,000 in damage, police said. A CD player, iPod and a collection of CDs inside the car were taken, police said.
The Westport officer reported seeing the crime while eating dinner in the restaurant, and went out to confront the suspect, police said. He was able to wrestle the bag away from the man and followed him as he tried to escape onto Brentwood Avenue, police said.
Santos was then stopped by Fairfield police officers on the street and positively identified by the Westport officer, police said. A screwdriver was found on him, according to police reports.
Santos was charged with third-degree robbery, a felony, as well as third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, possession of burglary tools and sixth-degree larceny, all misdemeanors. He was held in lieu of $50,000 bond and is due in court July 2.
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