Greenwich Police Department's 'Warrant Sweep' Nets 6 Arrests

GREENWICH, CT — A concerted "warrant sweep" by members of the Greenwich Police Department Wednesday netted six arrests of individuals, five of whom were wanted for failure to appear in connection with past crimes, and one suspect on a threatening charge.

The Greenwich department's efforts were part of a Statewide Warrant Sweep Operation nicknamed "Operation Praying Mantis."

"The operation involved several months of planning and over 90 municipal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Connecticut," stated officials. "All arrest warrants served were for State of Connecticut charges and pertain to crimes in violation of Connecticut General Statutes. The operation commenced pre-dawn with each participating agency conducting sweeps for wanted persons within their geographical areas."

In total, this operation netted the arrest of 267 wanted persons across the state who were fugitives from
justice.

The Greenwich Police served six arrest warrants on the following individuals:

• Jared Epstein, Stanwich Road, Greenwich: Failure to appear, 2nd Degree
• Santos H. Aquino-Zapata, Richmond Hill Avenue, Stamford: Failure to appear, 2nd Degree (two warrants)
• Joseph M. Gavin, Capalbo Place, Cos Cob: Failure to appear, 2nd Degree
• Lombardi, Rocco, Reynolds Place, Greenwich: Threatening, 1st Degree
• Poulos, Constantine, Ridge Street, Cos Cob: Failure to appear, 2nd Degree (two warrants)
• Toure, Boubakar, Yonkers NY: Failure to appear, 2nd Degree

According to Greenwich police, the arrest of Lombardi, 58, was in connection with an July 8 incident where he allegedly threatened a family member via text message. He was held in lieu of bail of $150,000 and was scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Thursday.

In addition to the aforementioned subjects, members of the warrant task force apprehended two individuals
suspected of passing counterfeit $100 bills at retail establishments on Greenwich Avenue. These two subjects were arrested and charged with Forgery 1st Degree.

"Per the CT State Police Intelligence Center, this operation was conducted with the intent of ensuring a cost
effective method of serving outstanding warrants by utilizing a unified mass operation," wrote Greenwich police in a statement. "This operation is a stellar example of collaboration to uphold the judicial system which demands fugitives from justice are presented with an opportunity to a speedy and fair trial. Likewise, we have capitalized on this opportunity to enhance community safety by removing proven and potentially dangerous fugitives from the streets. Furthermore, this operation shows the commitment and the spirit of cooperation amongst the law the enforcement community which will no doubt continue after the conclusion of this operation. This operation illustrates the necessity of working together, and by doing so, can make Connecticut a safer state for all."

Photo: Rocco Lombardi. Photo credit: Greenwich Police Department

To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.