BURRILLVILLE – Two Connecticut men have been charged in connection with a series of vehicle thefts in Burrillville, and police are still trying to locate the owners of some of the property seized from the suspects.
Damian Heath, 21, of Danielson, Conn. was arrested in August and charged with receiving stolen goods and conspiracy, and Mateo Ortiz, 25, of Plainfield, Conn., was charged with conspiracy, three counts of injuring or tampering with a motor vehicle and receiving stolen goods.
Police were first called to a home on George Eddy Road before 1 a.m. for a report of suspicious activity on Saturday, August 20, and observed a vehicle run a stop sign while leaving the area, according to a report provided this week by Burrillville Police Lt. Jason Eddy.
“The witness on George Eddy was able to snap a picture of the vehicle leaving the scene,” the report notes. “The witness stated nothing from her vehicle was stolen, but it had been gone through.”
Officers pulled over the suspect vehicle and Heath, the operator, and his passenger, Ortiz, “both appeared nervous,” according to the report. Upon questioning, Heath reportedly admitted to police that he was the “get away driver,” and told officers that Ortiz was the one taking items from vehicles.
Both were taken into custody without incident, according to Eddy.
Officers searched the Heath’s vehicle and located various items that did not appear to belong to either subject, and also found multiple packages not addressed to them. All items were seized as evidence.
Eddy said the case remains open, as victims of the larcenies are still being identified and interviewed.
“We have reason to believe these items were taken from the areas between Foster and Burrillville,” said Eddy.
Anyone in these areas that may have had their vehicles rummaged through or have items missing around the occurrence date should contact the Burrillville Police Department
Heath and Ortiz were held overnight and released on $2,000 surety bonds. Both are scheduled to be arraigned in 6th District court on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
