Teen Thieves Allegedly Target Dirt Bikes and ATVs in Waterford

Waterford Police Chief Murray Pendleton is warning residents to be on the lookout for a group of young men in their late teens who may be trying to steal dirt bikes, motorcycles, and ATVs.

Over the past two nights, Waterford Police have made several arrests for the attempted theft of motorcycles and ATVs from sheds and outbuildings in the Devonshire Drive, Giovanni Drive, Fog Plain Road and Robin Street area of town.

Still, Pendleton warns, there may be more attempts yet. "It's important if you have these kinds of vehicles that you keep them locked up and keep an eye out for people," he said. 

Residents are advised to lock sheds and trailers, to leave exterior lights on, and to call the police if they hear or see anything suspicious around their property. Don't attempt to approach the suspects yourself, Pendleton cautioned, adding that these young men have fought back each time they were caught in the act. 

"Don't place yourself in danger," he said.  

Police vs. Motorcycle Thieves: Round One

On Monday, August 19, residents on Devonshire Drive heard people in their backyards at about 1:30 a.m., and called the police. Upon their arrival, Waterford Police were told that a group of young men had fled into the woods nearby. Police went in after them, at which point they heard a motorcycle start up. Waterford police say the rider drove directly at them while the passenger kicked one of the police officers in the chest.

As it happened, that action also caused the bike to crash and after a brief foot chase, police were able to apprehend the two suspects. Police arrested a 17-year-old juvenile and Yojang Torres, 19, of 168 Laurel Drive, New London. Torres was charged with Criminal Trespass Second Degree, Assault 3rd Degree, and Assault on a Safety or Emergency Personnel. He was arraigned at GA 10 yesterday.

During the incident, police seized the red motorcycle shown in the photo provided here. They believe it to be stolen. Please contact police if you know who this motorcycle belongs to and, if ownership can be proven, it will be returned to its rightful owner. 

Police vs. Motorcycle Thieves: Round Two 

Thieves struck again on Tuesday, August 20, when Robin Street residents heard noises in their backyard at about 2:15 a.m. When they went out to look, they discovered a group of young men in a shed. The residents confronted and attempted to detain them, but one of the young men struck a female resident and fled. 

Luckily, a Waterford Police Officer happened to live nearby and upon hearing the commotion, came to their aid and managed to detain one of the men. Most of the others were apprehended shortly after when a Waterford Police Officer saw a car fleeing the area on Fog Plain Road and stopped it in the area of the New London High School.

Police arrested Manuel Ortiz, 19, of 187 Huntington Street, New London; Emanuel Rivera, 19, of 130 Cedar Grove New London; Steven Colon, 19, of 197 Montauk Avenue, New London, and a 17-year-old juvenile. All were charged with Conspiracy to Commit Crime, Criminal Trespass Second Degree, Burglary Third Degree, and Criminal Mischief Second Degree. Colon was also charged with Assault Third Degree.

One of the suspects, known only by the street name “Yo Yo”, was driving the vehicle and managed to escape.  

How You Can Help

If you have any information regarding Yo-Yo's actual identity or know where stolen motorcycles or ATVs may be located, please contact the Waterford Police on Facebook via direct message, by phone at 860-442-9451, or to the investigating Officer, Officer Surdo at nsurdo@waterfordct.org. All information will be kept confidential.