Man Found With Stolen Motorcycle, Gets Arrested: Wallingford Police

WALLINGFORD, CT — A man was arrested after being found in the possession of a stolen motorcycle earlier this week in Wallingford, according to police.

The Feb. 15 arrest stems from the Wallingford Police Department Crime Suppression Unit’s investigation into the illegal sale of stolen vehicles, according to Lt. Stephen Jaques.

“As part of the unit’s ongoing efforts to combat vehicle theft and related crimes, officers developed information indicating that a stolen motorcycle was located in the North Colony Road area, concealed in the bed of a black Chevrolet pickup truck displaying a Carvana temporary registration,” Jaques wrote in a news release.

While canvassing the area, Jaques said officers found a vehicle matching that description in the parking lot of a business at 900 North Colony Road.

“Upon inspection, officers conducted a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check on the motorcycle, which confirmed that it had been reported stolen out of New York City,” Jaques wrote.

The operator of the vehicle, identified as 34-year-old Grantley Laylor, told police that he recently purchased the motorcycle but was unable to provide any documentation or proof of purchase for the transaction, according to Jaques.

Jaques said further investigation found that Laylor had an active PRAWN re-arrest warrant issued by the Norwalk Police Department.

Laylor was taken into custody without incident and charged with possession of the stolen motorcycle. He was released after posting bonds totaling $15,000 with a court date of Feb. 27.

“The Wallingford Police Department continues to prioritize proactive enforcement efforts targeting the illegal sale and possession of stolen vehicles,” Jaques wrote. “Anyone with information related to vehicle theft or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Wallingford Police Department.”

See also: Teen, 16, Arrested After Trying To Sell Stolen Motorcycle At Walmart: Wallingford PD

Read more from the Wallingford Police Department below:

Protecting Yourself When Purchasing a Motorcycle Online

The Wallingford Police Department reminds the public to take the following precautions when purchasing a motorcycle or vehicle through online marketplaces:

• Verify the VIN: Always obtain the full Vehicle Identification Number and run it through the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) VIN Check database or your state’s DMV to confirm it is not stolen.
• Request Proper Documentation: Ensure the seller provides a valid title, bill of sale, and any supporting ownership documentation.
• Match VIN Numbers: Confirm that the VIN on the frame matches the VIN on the title and registration documents. Look for scratched, altered, or restamped numbers.
• Confirm it’s not a “Title Jump”: A common issue with out-of-state vehicles is title jumping, where the seller never registered the vehicle in their name, and the title is still in someone else’s name. The name on the title must match the seller's and ensure they have an appropriate form of government identification.
• Be Wary of Temporary Registrations: Exercise caution if a vehicle is being sold with temporary plates, especially from third-party sellers.
• Meet in Safe Locations: Conduct transactions in well-lit, public areas or at designated police department safe exchange zones when available.
• Avoid Cash-Only Transactions: Consider secure payment methods that create a record of the transaction.
• Trust Your Instincts: If the price seems significantly below market value or the seller refuses to provide documentation, walk away.

Taking these proactive steps can help prevent financial loss and reduce the risk of inadvertently purchasing stolen property.