Charges Added In Norwalk Catalytic Converter Thefts: Police

Norwalk CT

25 March, 2022

10:43 AM

Description

NORWALK, CT — Two men accused of stealing a catalytic converter in a Norwalk parking lot now face additional charges after detectives found evidence linking them to more catalytic converter thefts, Norwalk police said. At around 2:08 a.m. Wednesday, police arrested Justin Serrano, 30, and Jose Lopez, 29, both of New Britain, after a witness saw one of the men keeping watch while another was underneath a vehicle using what the witness thought was a reciprocating saw, Norwalk police said. Responding officers searched the BMW the suspects were driving, and in it they found 13 more catalytic converters, police said. Read more: 2 Charged In Attempted Catalytic Converter Thefts: Norwalk Police Later Wednesday morning, police received reports that catalytic converters had been taken from cars in other South Norwalk parking lots overnight. Detectives found enough evidence to link Serrano and Lopez to those thefts as well, police said, though officers didn't provide any further details. As a result, each man's bond was raised from $50,000 to $150,000, and each now faces additional charges. In total, Serrano is charged with: Three counts of third-degree larcenyEight counts of fifth-degree larcenyThree counts of first-degree criminal mischiefInterfering/resistingThree counts of third-degree criminal trespassingTwo counts of tampering with a motor vehicleConspiracyDriving with a suspended licenseDriving without insuranceDriving without registrationFailure to grant right-of-wayMisuse of plates In total, Lopez is charged with: Three counts of third-degree larcenyEight counts of fifth-degree larcenyThree counts of first-degree criminal mischiefThree counts of criminal trespassingTwo counts of tampering with a motor vehicleInterfering/resistingConspiracyFalse statement Serrano and Lopez are scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on March 29. An investigation into the thefts is ongoing.