Arrests Made in Connection With Local Car Break-Ins

According to Troop L Sgt. Michael Roach, two men arrested in connection with recent car break-ins were processed at Troop L at approximately 8:25 p.m. tonight - Saturday, Jan. 7.

The recent car break-ins occurred throughout New Haven, Litchfield and Fairfield Counties, according to a 7:14 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, press release from Middlebury Police Lt. Richard Wildman.

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, a meeting of state police officers, Connecticut probation officers, Connecticut parole officers, a Connecticut Intelligence Center liaison officer and local police officers, took place at the .

The purpose of the meeting was to share information about the recent car break-ins. The suspects allegedly targeted gym parking lots, walking trail parking lots and church parking lots.

A task force was put together to target three suspects that were identified through the meeting. The Task Force learned that one of the suspects, Alfred W. Gfroehrer, was wanted for escape in the first degree by Connecticut Parole.

On Friday, the Task Force targeted Gfroehrer and conducted a search of cities and towns though out New Haven and Litchfield Counties.

Gfroehrer was spotted by a Task Force Surveillance car operating a 2003 Dodge Caravan. The Task Force, accompanied by Connecticut Parole, arrested Gfroehrer without incident at the corner of Walnut Street and North Walnut Street in Waterbury.

Gfroehrer, 38, was arrested at 11:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, and charged with escape in the first degree. Police reported that Gfroehrer is homeless.

The Task Force apprehended the two remaining suspects, William Beck and Neil Lorusso, shortly after they allegedly broke into a vehicle at on Route 47. The two were taken into custody a few miles away. Police reported the suspects allegedly had a stolen purse in their possession.

Beck, 31, of 50 Mango Circle, Watertown, was arrested at 2:35 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7. He was arrested on the following charges:

• Conspiracy to commit burglary in the third degree
• Conspiracy to commit larceny in the third degree
• Conspiracy to commit criminal mischief in the third degree
• Conspiracy to commit theft of credit card

Lorusso, 30, of East Main Street in Waterbury, was arrested at 2:35 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, on the following charges:

• Burglary in the third degree
• Larceny in the third degree
• Criminal mischief in the third degree
• Credit card theft

The Task Force consisted of a Connecticut Intelligence liaison officer, Connecticut State Police personnel from Troop A and Troop L along with local police officers from Washington, Southbury, Cheshire and Middlebury, using five surveillance vehicles.

Connecticut Parole worked with the Task Force on Friday, Jan. 6. In addition, the Connecticut State Police provided a K-9 handler and dog.