North Branford Police Charge Man, 32, In Connection With 2025 Northford Burglary, Attempted Dirt Bike Theft

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — A 32-year-old Hartford man was charged in connection with a 2025 attempted theft of a dirt bike and pickup truck at a Northford home, police said.

According to North Branford police, on Nov. 25, 2025, officers were called to investigate a "suspicious vehicle."

"The complainant reported hearing his garage door open and observing a silver four-door sedan in his driveway, with several individuals walking around the property," police said in a news release.

Officers saw a silver Mazda parked on the street near the home and, as they approached, saw several people "running toward the Mazda before fleeing the area at a high rate of speed," authorities noted.

They attempted to stop the vehicle but were unsuccessful, police said.

"The investigation determined that at least one individual had entered the residence’s attached two-car garage and attempted to steal the complainant’s dirt bike," police said. "Investigators also determined that the individuals attempted to steal a pickup truck parked in the driveway."

A cell phone was found near where the Mazda had been parked, police said.

North Branford police Detective Massimo Piroli led the investigation with the assistance of Detective Craig Miller, it is noted. "Through the use of investigative technology as well as several search warrants, Detective Piroli identified the owner of the recovered cell phone," police said.

Piroli secured an arrest warrant for Jose Lapuerta-Hernandez, 32, and charged him with conspiracy to commit second-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit fifth-degree larceny, and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny.

Police remind residents to use caution when advertising items for sale through Facebook Marketplace and similar online platforms, a news release reads. "Individuals selling dirt bikes, recreational vehicles, or other high-value items should avoid providing strangers with their home address whenever possible," police said, adding that the department "provides a safe location where members of the public may meet to conduct online sales and exchanges."