HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – Hartford police arrested a man Friday night after officers found him driving a stolen car and allegedly possessing crack cocaine.
The man was identified as Vito Badalamenti, age 56.
Officers assigned to the Southeast Community Service Bureau received a License Plate Reader alert for a stolen 2014 Ford Econoline around 9:02 p.m. Dec. 12 in the area of Maple Avenue and White Street.
Police searched the surrounding area and located the occupied stolen car at the intersection of Wethersfield Avenue and Adelaide Street. Officers conducted a traffic stop and took Badalamenti, the driver of the car, into custody.
A records check confirmed the car had been reported stolen out of New Haven. During the investigation, officers located a white rock-like substance believed to be crack cocaine in Badalamenti’s possession.
The car was towed from the scene, and Badalamenti was brought to the Hartford Police Detention Facility for processing. The Auto Theft Unit was notified.
He faces charges of larceny of a motor vehicle, larceny in the second degree, possession of a controlled substance and operating a motor vehicle under suspension.
Anyone with information related to vehicle theft, narcotics activity, or suspicious behavior is encouraged to contact the Hartford Police Tip Line at 860-722-8477. Tips may be submitted confidentially.
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