WOLCOTT, Conn. (KSLA) — Alvin Martinez, 45, of Bristol, has been arrested and charged in connection with a burglary and firearm theft at the Sportsmen’s Outpost in Wolcott. The incident, which occurred on April 18, 2025, involved the theft of nine firearms after thieves rammed a stolen vehicle into the front of the store.
Martinez, along with 20-year-old Shane Erdmann, 18-year-old Makiah Henry, and 36-year-old Jessica Henry, is accused of aiding a group of three juveniles in stealing the guns. Wolcott police, along with the ATF, Bristol Police, and other law enforcement agencies, conducted a thorough investigation that led to multiple arrests.
According to authorities, the suspects used a stolen Hyundai sedan to ram the front of the sports store, allowing them to access and steal nine handguns. The juvenile suspects were later identified as being responsible for the burglary, with plans to sell the stolen firearms on the black market.
Martinez faces multiple charges, including:
Illegal transfer of a firearm
Carrying a pistol without a permit
Tampering with evidence
Operating a vehicle while under suspension
Meanwhile, Shane Erdmann has been charged with similar offenses, along with improper firearm storage. Makiah Henry faces charges of illegal firearm transfer and tampering with evidence, while Jessica Henry was charged with tampering with evidence.
In addition to the arrests of the adults, the three juvenile suspects face charges ranging from conspiracy to steal a firearm to illegal possession of weapons in a motor vehicle, and first-degree burglary.
Wolcott Police commended the collaboration between agencies, including the Connecticut State Police and the Waterbury Police Department, for their efforts in recovering the stolen guns and arresting those responsible for the crimes.
Investigations revealed that the stolen Kia, used as a getaway vehicle, was later found in a small lake in Bristol. Authorities discovered a handgun with an obliterated serial number inside the vehicle.
As of now, eight out of the nine stolen firearms have been recovered, with law enforcement continuing efforts to find the last missing gun.