Accused Vehicle Burglar Busted By New Canaan Police

NEW CANAAN, CT — A Bridgeport man suspected of breaking into and stealing items from 11 vehicles in New Canaan - all during the overnight hours of July 4 of last year - was arrested on a warrant by New Canaan police Thursday morning in Norwalk, according authorities.

Vanshawne Wheeler, 19, of Trumbull Avenue, was arrested at Norwalk Superior Court where he was appearing on other unrelated violations. New Canaan police charged him with 11 counts of third-degree burglary; four counts of identity theft; and four counts of payment card theft.

Immediately following the break-ins, New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski wrote in a statement that all of the burglarized vehicles had been left unlocked.

"The vehicle entries occurred in the areas of Upper Elm Street, Graystone Circle, Millport Avenue, Richmond Hill Road, Sunrise Avenue, and West Hills Road," wrote Krolikowski. "Taken during these thefts were wallets, cash, credit cards, drivers' licenses, a cellphone and other valuables. All of these vehicles were unlocked."

According to police, investigators obtained DNA evidence from the burglarized vehicles that linked Wheeler to the crimes.

"In addition, New Canaan Police Investigators went to a Mobil station in Bridgeport to obtain video surveillance where Wheeler used stolen credit cards to purchase items at the gas station," wrote authorities.

Wheeler's bail was set at $300,000 and he remains incarcerated.

Photo: Vanshawne Wheeler. Photo credit: New Canaan Police Department