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The two men were arrested around 2 a.m., Wednesday, March 23 in Norwalk.
According to Norwalk Police, a witness doing overnight work at a business on Water Street heard grinding noise coming from a nearby parking lot.
The witness investigated the noise and spotted one man keeping watch while another man, underneath a vehicle, was using what the witness believed was, a reciprocating saw, said Sgt. Sofia Gulino, of the Norwalk Police.
The witness quickly called the police and continued to watch as the two men entered a black BMW.
The first officers arriving on the scene saw a black BMW with no headlights and very dark tinted windows, Gulino said.
As the first officer pulled into the lot, the BMW accelerated and struck the police car. The vehicle continued to accelerate, with tires squealing and smoking as the driver was attempting to flee, Gulino said.
As additional officers arrived, they approached the vehicle, unable to see inside the car due to the heavy tinting, she added.
Officers pointed their weapons at the vehicle and ordered the two men to exit the car, but the men refused to comply, Gulino said.
One of the officers used a baton to break the driver's window in order to see into the vehicle, police said.
The men, Hartford County residents, Justin Serrano, age 30, and Jose Lopez, age 29, both of New Britain, were removed from the car and arrested, Gulino said.
According to witness accounts, the pair were able to remove one catalytic converter from one vehicle and were interrupted while trying to retrieve a second, she added.
Officers searched the BMW and located 13 catalytic converters that appeared to have been recently cut from vehicles, police said.
The investigation is ongoing.
“This was an example of excellent police work," Norwalk Police Chief Kulhawik said. "Our patrol officers responded quickly and were able to contain the scene; fortunately, there were no serious injuries as a result of the actions of the arrested individuals.”
Serrano was charged with:
- Larceny
- Eight counts of larceny fifth-degree
- Criminal mischief
- Interfering/resisting
- Criminal trespass
- Suspended license,
- No insurance
- No registration
- Fail to grant the right of way
- Misuse of plates
Lopez was charged with:
- Larceny
- Eight counts of larceny fifth-degree
- Criminal mischief
- Interfering/resisting
- False statement
Both are being held on a $50,000 bond.
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