CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — Three men allegedly connected to a South American Theft Group were arrested Wednesday evening after alert neighbors in Cranston reported suspicious behavior.
Police responded to Uxbridge Street just after 6:30 p.m. following a call about a BMW SUV with Virginia plates circling the neighborhood. The caller noted one person inside the vehicle wore a camouflage hoodie and a full face mask, raising concerns of a possible burglary attempt.
Thanks to quick action by residents, including capturing video and photos of the suspects and vehicle, police were able to identify and track the group.
“Our witness was great,” said Major Todd Patalano. “She recorded them with her phone and took a picture of their vehicle and the people actually emerging from the yard, trying to conceal their identities.”
Roughly an hour later, a patrol officer spotted the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Police found five cellphones, two black face masks, zip ties, various burglary tools, and a police scanner inside.
The suspects were identified as:
Sergio Rodriguez Lopez, 36, of Elizabeth, New Jersey
Jorge Cajamarca Pena, 49, of Flushing, New York
Felipe Quitian, 19, of Livingston, New Jersey
Authorities said Pena and Quitian are Colombian nationals and confirmed all three are linked to South American Theft Group activity across the region. Lopez and Pena reportedly have extensive criminal records involving theft and burglary.
“You never really know what you prevent,” added Patalano. “In this case, we think we prevented something pretty major.”
Charges include:
Lopez: Attempted breaking and entering, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools, felon in possession of a scanner, fugitive from justice
Pena: Attempted breaking and entering, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools, felon in possession of a scanner
Quitian: Attempted breaking and entering, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools
The suspects were arraigned Thursday. Lopez was released on $10,000 personal recognizance and turned over to Connecticut authorities. Pena and Quitian were held at the ACI Intake Center on $10,000 surety bail. ICE has lodged a detainer on Quitian.
