Alleged Car Thieves Breakdown in Branford and Help Themselves to a New Ride

Early in the morning on Saturday, June 4, report that Angel Emilio Sanchez, 23, of Manhattan, NY, and Joan Perez, 27, of Norwalk were arrested for allegedly stealing a vehicle from a local auto repair shop.

Captain Geoffrey Morgan said that Branford Police noticed an Acura with its hazards on, pulled over on the side of East Main Street near exit 55 around 2:30 a.m. When the officer approached the car, Sanchez was found alone in the vehicle and one window was smashed out, reported Morgan.

After running the plates, the officer discovered a Branford resident, who was then contacted, owned the car. The resident told the officer that the vehicle was being serviced at a nearby auto repair shop.

Branford Police found Perez in the parking lot of the auto repair shop. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Sanchez and Perez were traveling to New London when their vehicle became disabled. The found themselves in Branford, stopped by the auto repair shop and used a master set of keys to take the Acura. Morgan reports that this master set of keys could start many types of vehicles including the one they allegedly stole.

Branford Police reviewed video footage from the auto repair shop’s surveillance cameras and were able to arrest Sanchez for illegal sale or possession of a master key, third degree criminal trespassing, third degree larceny, second degree criminal trover and conspiracy. Perez was arrested for fourth degree larceny and conspiracy. Bail was set at $30,000 and both suspects were scheduled to appear in New Haven court on June 6.