Latest news with #RyanBessette
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
News 8 Investigates: String of Facebook Marketplace robberies in Waterbury
WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Waterbury police are out with a public safety warning for people who like to sell things on Facebook Marketplace. Robberies have taken place when people go to meet up with their buyers/sellers. Police say that guns have been involved. Bad romance: Connecticut woman claims she was scammed by a lover Over the past week or so, three robberies related to Facebook Marketplace have happened on Fiske Street. Shoppers are sent here, unsuspecting, seeing it's a pleasant neighborhood. 'In each of these situations, it was reported to us that a gun was either threatened to use or displayed during the purchase,' Waterbury Police Lt. Ryan Bessette said. One neighbor News 8 spoke with off camera says he saw two men walking up the street carrying a laptop. Detectives say an iPad and iPhone were also stolen on the street. If you're selling, meet someone at a police station where they have designated areas inside that are safe with cops and cameras. Police also warn to never go to an area that's not well lit, or maybe not a great neighborhood. Tracy Holloman lives on Fiske Street and heard about the transaction trouble a few doors down. He says his Facebook business is controlled on purpose. 'Normally, I meet them in a local or public place: fire department, police department, that vicinity where it's safe,' Holloman said. The bottom line is never have someone come to your house. No one was hurt during these robberies and no arrests have been made. Waterbury police and the Crime Stoppers Unit need your help. If you have any information, call them. Tips are always confidential. Watch the full story in the player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Yahoo
Recovery of stolen car nets three arrests in Waterbury
Three people were arrested when police recovered a stolen vehicle in Waterbury on Thursday. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was found parked at 204 Union St., according to Lt. Ryan Bessette of the Waterbury Police Department. Bessette said the vehicle was found by members of the police department's Auto Theft Task Force. Following the investigation, three people were arrested. Jose Torrez, 29, of Meriden was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle (first offense) and operating without a license. He was released on $10,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned next Thursday. Gabriela Rivera, 21, of Waterbury was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle (first offense) and was released on $1,000 bond. She is also expected to face a judge next Thursday. Lamontaye Perry, 21, of Waterbury was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle (second offense). Bessette said police found that he was on parole, leading to a remand to custody order. 'The Waterbury Police Department remains committed to addressing auto theft-related crimes and ensuring the safety of our community,' Bessette said in a statement. Anyone with information about stolen vehicles or suspicious activity has been asked to contact the Waterbury Police Department at 203-574-6941 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 203-755-1234.