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The incident began when the Stamford police were contacted by detectives from Virginia regarding a financial scam, said Stamford Police Capt. Richard Conklin.
The detectives told the Stamford Financial Crimes Unit that a victim in Virginia was contacted and made to believe that their grandson was arrested and he needed $7,500 for his bail, Conklin said.
The grandparent sent the money to an address in the Bronx and a few days later received another call saying another $15,000 was needed.
Another package was sent, this time to an address on Avery Street in Stamford, Conklin said.
The victim then reported the information to the police and an investigation was initiated.
On Saturday, Feb. 2, Stamford investigators set up a surveillance of the Avery Street residence. At approximately 10:20 am, a UPS truck approached the location. A suspect, later identified as Eduardo Santos-Cruz, 25, of the Bronx, approached the UPS driver and signed for the package, Conklin said.
Officers observed Santos-Cruz walk to a van with New York plates which was occupied by a second person identified as Hector Rivera, 24, also of the Bronx.
Investigators attempted to stop the suspects and a short chase ensued. The vehicle was stopped on Sylvan Knoll Road and both men were taken into custody.
During the pursuit, the suspects had thrown the package and other evidence out of the window which was later recovered, Conklin said.
Both were charged with both charged with conspiracy to commit larceny and criminal attempt at larceny. Rivera was also charged with engaging police in pursuit, reckless operation and interfering with police.
Both men were later released on a $100,000 bond.
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