Teen Stole 2 Cars From Branford: East Haven Police

EAST HAVEN, CT — A teenager accused of stealing at least two cars from Branford was caught in the act by alert East Haven Police officers, police said in a news release. On July 3, while officers were working a quality of life holiday detail, they observed a white male exit the driver’s seat of a Gray Audi in the rear lot of The Hemingway Place Apartments, 103 Hemingway Avenue, police said.

"It should be noted that this location has seen an increase in stolen vehicles and car break-ins in recent months," said Police Lt. Joseph M. Murgo.

After exiting the vehicle, they observed the male walk directly into a heavily wooded / marsh area, which officers found suspicious, police said. The officers were able to locate the male, later identified as Matthew Marco, 18, in the marsh area and detained him, police said.

Marco advised officers that he walked into the marsh area to retrieve his bicycle, police said. A registration check of the vehicle Marco had just exited revealed it was a stolen vehicle out of Branford, police said.

Marco was subsequently placed under arrest, handcuffed and searched, police said. Marco was found to be in possession of the stolen Audi’s key, police said. A stolen Lexus, also reported out of Branford, was found in the parking lot, parked next to the stolen Audi, police said.

The stolen Lexus’ key fob was found with the bicycle Marco claimed was his, police said. Marco was also found to be in possession of a police baton, marijuana, flash light and other drug paraphernalia, police said. A third stolen vehicle was found in the same parking lot in the vicinity of the others but officers were unable to link it to Marco at the time of his arrest, police said.

Marco was transported to the East Haven Police Department where was processed. He is currently being held on a $10,000.00 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on 07/05/2018. Matthew Marco was charged with:

1. Larceny in the First Degree

2. Larceny in the Third Degree

3. Criminal Trover in the Second Degree

4. Carrying a Dangerous Weapon

5. Possession of Less Than 4 Ounces of Marijuana

6. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

7. Possession of Burglar Tools

Photo via East Haven PD