Arrest Made In 'Distraction' Larceny; Suspect Sought: Greenwich Police

GREENWICH, CT — One arrest has been made, and police are looking for another suspect wanted in connection with a "distraction-type" larceny in which a handgun was displayed in downtown Greenwich on Nov. 25.

At about 12:30 p.m. that day, the victim, who is employed locally, purchased electronics from a downtown business, police said.

Police said a man, later identified as Oscar Alejandro Arce-Runza, followed the victim back to his vehicle and asked for directions.

While the victim was speaking with Arce-Runza, a second person entered the victim's vehicle and took the newly-purchased electronics, police said.

"When confronted by the victim, one of the suspects displayed what appeared to be a handgun," police said. The suspects fled the area and the victim was not harmed.

On Nov. 28, Greenwich police were informed that a vehicle used by the suspects was just involved in a robbery in New York and was traveling into Connecticut on Interstate-95, police said.

Greenwich police officers spotted the car and conducted a motor vehicle stop on I-95 near the border with Stamford.

Arce-Runza was driving the car, and was positively identified as one of the suspects from the larceny in downtown Greenwich, police said. He was arrested for motor vehicle violations, and an arrest warrant is pending for additional charges. An address for Arce-Runza was not available.

Investigators are still looking to identify the second suspect.

Anyone with information about the Nov. 25 incident can contact the GPD via the confidential tip line at 203-622-3333, or through email at TIPS@greenwichct.org. To speak with a detective, call 203-622-8004.

Police said on Facebook that the frequency of distraction larcenies increases during the holiday shopping period.

The Greenwich Police Department is asking the public to be aware of their surroundings for this type of crime," the department said. "Please report any suspicious activities immediately to the Greenwich Police Department, 203-622-8004, or 911 for emergencies."