Vernon Man Facing Felony Charge After Trying To 'Hot Wire' Car

VERNON, CT — A Vernon resident is in hot water after trying to "hot wire" the car of an acquaintance, according to a warrant.

Late last week, state marshals served a warrant on 38-year-old Francisco Gomez. He was charged with first-degree criminal trover and third-degree criminal mischief. The trover charge is a felony in Connecticut and stemmed from Gomez tampering with the ignition.

The case dates back to Feb. 1, when Vernon police received a call from a Rockville resident who said her car had been damaged. The cops recognized the caller from previous incidents in West Main Street, according to a warrant.

Police said the driver's side window was missing from the 2006 Ford Taurus, but the resident said it had been that way for months, according to a warrant. Gomez was allowed to use the car on occasion with permission, but this time around he was not granted it, according to a warrant.

Neighbors said they did notice Gomez in the car, but Gomez claimed he often sits in the car because where he keeps his marijuana smoking materials, according to a warrant.

Police said the housing had been removed from the ignition area and wire had been tampered with and, according to a warrant, Gomez said he was trying to start the car without permission.

He is due in court on Feb. 28.