Men Caught Stealing In Auto Center Parking Lot: Wallingford PD

WALLINGFORD, CT — Two men were arrested after police say they were seen stealing a catalytic converter from a vehicle in a service center’s parking lot early Tuesday morning in Wallingford. A local business owner called police at about 1:35 a.m. on Aug. 27 after seeing the theft in the parking lot at Nelson’s Automotive, located at 42 North Plains Industrial Rd., according to Lt. Cheryl Bradley.

The witness told police the suspects were driving a silver-colored Volvo, which was located on North Colony Road and stopped, according to Bradley.

Bradley said the witness positively identified the suspects and the vehicle. Police searched the vehicle and found one cut catalytic converter and “tools to include a reciprocating saw, an extra battery and several saw blades,” according to Bradley.

Jorge Alberto Barrera Lima, 21, of Austin Street in New Britain, was arrested and charged with sixth-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny, criminal attempt to commit sixth-degree larceny, simple trespass and third-degree criminal mischief. He was held on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Sept. 9.

Jesus Manual Otway, 31, of Portland Street in Middletown, was arrested and charged with sixth-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny, criminal attempt to commit sixth-degree larceny, simple trespass and third-degree criminal mischief. He was released after posting a $5,000 bond with a court date of Sept. 9.