In March 2025, Stratford Police received two complaints from residents who unknowingly purchased stolen vehicles online — one from Craigslist and another from Facebook — each transaction costing approximately $12,000. Detective Jay Delauri led an investigation, executing five search warrants that culminated in the arrest of 30-year-old Tyrone Purcell of Seymour. Purcell, a convicted felon with prior firearms charges, surrendered to authorities on August 1, 2025.
He now faces multiple charges, including Forgery, Identity Theft, and Larceny related to the stolen vehicle sales. Purcell was released on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on August 8, 2025.
Police continue to urge residents to exercise caution when purchasing vehicles online and to verify seller credentials to avoid falling victim to similar scams.
