Hamden Man Linked To Darien Car Theft Through DNA: Police

DARIEN, CT — A Hamden man was arrested on May 14 in connection with a 2024 car theft in Darien, according to police.

Khalil Council, 19, turned himself into police on a warrant that charges him with larceny of a motor vehicle - first offense, police said in an arrest report.

On May 27, 2024, officers responded to a report of a stolen car from a residence on Hickory Lane in Darien. The victim reported his 2021 Audi Q5 was stolen after being left unlocked with the keys inside, police said.

Following a "collaborative" investigation involving the Darien Police Department, Hamden Police Department, and New Haven Police Department, the stolen car was recovered in Hamden on June 5, 2024, and processed for evidence, police noted.

DNA evidence collected from the car linked Council to the theft, police said.

A search warrant for Council’s DNA was executed in January of this year, and investigators confirmed his involvement in the theft, police said.

Council was unable to post a court-set bond of $100,000. According to the CT Judicial Branch website, Council is now released on a $50,000 professional surety bond. He's scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on July 31.