Off-Duty Wolcott Sergeant Catches Copper Thieves: Police

An off-duty Wolcott police sergeant caught two copper thieves red-handed Monday afternoon, according to police.

Wolcott Police Sgt. Michael Christano was driving his personal car when he saw a man, later identified as 24-year-old Hivzo Redzepagic, taking copper out of a vacant house at 17 Forestview Drive and placing it into an SUV, according to police.

Christano questioned the man, who then jumped into the SUV and sped off, police said. The vehicle, driven by 23-year-old Aferdiate Zekiri, of Prospect, led Christano on a chase onto Spindle Hill Road in Waterbury.

Police said Christano was able to get the license plate of the SUV and tracked it to Zekiri’s residence.

Officers arrived at the home and arrested Zekiri. Redzepagic later turned himself in.

The copper stolen from 17 Forestview Drive was located in Naugatuck, police said.

Redzepagic was charged with sixth-degree larceny, third-degree burglary and third-degree criminal mischief. He has a criminal record and was held on a $20,000 bond before his arraignment Tuesday.

Zekiri was charged with conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary and conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny.

She was released on a $5,000 bond and will appear in court Feb. 20.

Contact Us