LUDLOW — Chief Daniel Valadas reports that the Ludlow Police Department arrested three individuals early Tuesday morning, and are seeking a fourth suspect after they allegedly broke into a parked vehicle, and two of them fled from police in stolen cars.
A JUVENILE MALE, AGE 15, OF SPRINGFIELD was arrested and charged with:
- Breaking and Entering into a Motor Vehicle During the Nighttime (Felony, Subsequent Offense)
- Malicious Damage to a Motor Vehicle
A second JUVENILE MALE, AGE 15, OF SPRINGFIELD was arrested and charged with:
- Breaking and Entering into a Motor Vehicle Nighttime (felony, subsequent offense)
- Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Felony)
- Resisting Arrest
Additionally, YARIEL BERRIOS-ORTIZ, AGE 18, OF SPRINGFIELD was arrested and charged with:
- Breaking and Entering into a Motor Vehicle Nighttime (felony, subsequent offense)
- Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Felony)
- Resisting Arrest
BERRIOS-ORTIZ also had an unrelated felony warrant for his arrest out of Springfield District Court.
At approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8, Ludlow officers responded to the area of Walnut and Oak Street for a report of a motor vehicle break-in and vandalism. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a witness who identified one of the JUVENILE MALES as a suspect, who was subsequently taken into custody.
During their initial investigation, officers located a 2008 Nissan Maxima with its driver’s side window smashed out.
About 90 minutes later, a sergeant patrolling in the area of Chapin Circle by Birch Point observed three males rummaging through two parked motor vehicles. As the sergeant approached, the males — two of whom later identified as BERRIOS-ORTIZ and the second JUVENILE MALE — fled in the vehicles they had been rummaging through.
Following a short pursuit, the suspects allegedly stopped the vehicles on Brownell Street and Oakwood Street and fled on foot. Following a brief search, which was supported by K-9 units from the Massachusetts State Police and Amherst Police, two of the suspects were located and taken into custody.
Both vehicles, a 2007 Honda CRV and a 2009 Subaru Forester, were later reported stolen out of Ludlow. The Subaru sustained damage resulting from a minor crash into the curb before the suspect fled on foot. There were no injuries as a result of the incident.
Three suspects were transported to the Ludlow Police Department for booking, and the two JUVENILES were released to their guardians while BERRIOS-ORTIZ was transported to Palmer District Court for arraignment. Ludlow Police are still seeking a fourth suspect, and urge all residents against approaching anyone they believe may be suspicious and to instead call 911.
The incident remains under investigation, and officers and detectives are working to determine whether additional motor vehicle break-ins reported yesterday morning on Walnut Street, Voltage Avenue, Power Avenue and Edison Drive are connected.
Through their investigation, police identified the suspects on surveillance video allegedly attempting to open car doors during the late evening and overnight hours.
“In all of these instances where thefts occurred, the vehicles were left unsecured, and in some cases, the keys were left inside the vehicles,” Chief Valadas said. “I urge all residents to remember that simply locking your car doors and removing valuables can prevent crimes like these from occurring. In nearly all cases of car break-ins, they occur because vehicles were left unlocked and all criminals have to do is try the door handle to gain access.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Ludlow Police remind vehicle owners to use common sense when parking and exiting their vehicle. Safety tips include:
- Take your keys. Don’t leave them in your vehicle.
- Close all windows and lock all doors.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle. Anything stored inside your vehicle should be out of sight or in the trunk.
- Never leave credit cards/debit cards, cash or your wallet or purse inside of your vehicle overnight.
- Park in well-lit areas or preferably inside a garage, if possible. Park in visible areas where your vehicle is not hidden by foliage or larger vehicles. Install lights with motion sensors near where you park your vehicle.
- Double-check that your vehicle is locked and secured about 9 p.m. each night. This is known as the “9 p.m. Routine.”
Anyone with further information about these crimes, or who has camera images of these or other thefts is asked to call the Ludlow Police Department at 413-583-8305.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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