Crime & Safety

Thief Locks Keys In Stolen BMW, Gets Arrested: North Haven Police

Police say the man ran out of Home Depot after stealing a $300 drill and quickly realized he had locked the keys in the car.

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A man who was attempting to steal a $300 drill set from Home Depot was apprehended after running out of the store and realizing he had locked the keys inside of a BMV that was waiting outside… and was also stolen, according to police. It all began at about 7:15 a.m. on Thursday morning (April 12) when Samuel Lopez, 55, of Waterbury entered the Home Depot on Universal Drive in North Haven and grabbed a drill combo set, which is valued at more than $300, off the shelf, according to police.

Police said Lopez ran past the registers and out of the store where his red BMW was parked just outside the Home Depot exit. As Lopez attempted to get in his car to flee the area with the stolen drill, he quickly learned that he had locked the keys in the BMW, according to police.

As police arrived, Lopez was attempting to smash the car window with a brick. He eventually ran, but was taken into custody after a brief struggle, police said.

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The BMW was found to be stolen out of Waterbury. Lopez was arrested on charges of third-degree larceny, sixth-degree larceny and interfering with police. Lopez was released to the Waterbury Police Department who had an active arrest warrant for him, according to police.

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Pictured: Samuel Lopez, 55, of Waterbury / North Haven Police Department

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