Naugatuck: Hartford Man Arrested for Break-Ins at Car Wash and Vacant Store

Following a meticulous, month-long investigation, the Naugatuck Police Department has made a significant arrest in connection with a string of commercial break-ins. The incident, which targeted local businesses in the early hours of the morning, highlights the crucial role that functional security systems play in solving property crimes.

The Break-In at The Wash Zone

The investigation began in the early morning hours of November 13, when police were dispatched to The Wash Zone located at 799 New Haven Road. The initial call came from an alarm company monitoring the property, which had detected a security alert and observed suspicious activity on the surveillance feeds.

Upon arriving at the scene, responding officers discovered clear evidence of forced entry. Both The Wash Zone and an adjacent vacant storefront had sustained property damage as the suspects forced their way inside. Although a thorough search of the immediate area was conducted, the perpetrators had already fled. However, they left behind a critical piece of evidence: high-quality surveillance footage capturing their intrusion.

Suspect Identified and Arrested

Leveraging the video evidence, Naugatuck detectives worked tirelessly to track down the individuals responsible. Their efforts paid off when they successfully identified one of the primary suspects as 36-year-old Carlos J. Ortiz, a resident of Hartford.

On December 23, acting in coordination with the Connecticut State Parole Office, detectives apprehended Ortiz on an active felony warrant. Because the break-in involved two separate properties, Ortiz faces double charges. He was officially charged with:

• Two counts of Burglary in the Third Degree
• Two counts of Conspiracy to Commit Burglary in the Third Degree
• Two counts of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree

Following his arrest, Ortiz was held on a court-set bond of $100,000 and was subsequently arraigned in Waterbury Superior Court.

A Reminder for Business Owners

In the wake of this successful arrest, the Naugatuck Police Department extended their gratitude to regional law enforcement partners who assisted in the investigation. Authorities also took the opportunity to issue a public reminder to all local business owners: maintaining up-to-date alarm systems and high-resolution surveillance equipment is one of the most effective deterrents against commercial burglaries and is essential for bringing offenders to justice.