Car Thief, 18, Arrested Twice In 8 Hours: Wallingford Police

WALLINGFORD, CT — An 18-year-old Meriden resident was arrested twice within eight hours in connection with the burglary and theft of vehicles in Wallingford late Sunday night into Monday morning, according to police.

Police responded to McGuire Court Apartments around 10 p.m. on Aug. 27 on the report of a car theft in progress, according to Officer Alex Torres.

A caller reported that a male wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants was trying to steal her silver 2011 Kia Soul, according to Torres.

Torres said arriving officers found a male fitting the clothing description sitting reclined in the front driver seat of the Kia and the steering column near the ignition was detached. He was in possession of a large flat head screw driver and USB cables used in Kia and Hyundai thefts, according to Torres.

The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Cody James Monty of Meriden, was arrested and charged with third-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools and using a motor vehicle without owner’s permission.

Torres said Monty was initially held in lieu of a $10,000 bond and given a court date of Sept. 8. The Bail Commissioner granted Monty a promise to appear and he walked out of the Wallingford Police Department, according to Torres.

Then around 3:35 a.m. on Aug. 28, police responded to Cumberland Farms on North Colony Road on the report of a theft of a black Mazda CX-9.

Torres said Cumberland Farms is approximately 2.1 miles away from the Wallingford Police Department and a 45-minute walk. After reviewing video footage captured at Cumberland Farms, Torres said Monty was seen taking the black Mazda CX-9 that was unattended, unlocked and running at a gas pump.

At 5:30 a.m., Torres said Monty was apprehended by Meriden Police at his home and again placed under arrest by Wallingford Police. He was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle. Cody was held in lieu of a $25,000 bond and appeared in court on Monday morning.