Mansfield police are investigating a string of car break-ins and thefts after three Brockton men were arrested after one resident reported someone breaking into their car early Sunday morning.
A resident living on Fieldstone Drive called police after watching home surveillance footage of a person getting into their car that was parked in their driveway around 3:40 a.m. on Nov. 12, Mansfield police said on Facebook.
After the individual ran away, the resident directed officers to a white SUV that was parked in the street. Responding officers learned that the vehicle was stolen out of Weymouth, police said.
Shortly after, a man appeared and got into the car. Officers detained him while other officers, assisted by Massachusetts State Police and a K9 officer, searched the area for other suspects.
Three more suspects were located in a wooded area near Fieldstone and Branch Streets, police said. One was taken into custody while the others ran deeper into the woods.
Later that morning, at around 6:15 a.m., officers saw one of the suspects coming out of the woods and onto Ware Street. Officers chased them on foot before eventually taking them into custody behind the Jordan/Jackson School, police said. A gun that was left behind by the suspect was also located, police said.
Police said three Brockton men, aged 19, 21 and 22, were in custody and facing charges including nighttime breaking and entering into a vehicle, receiving stolen property, conspiracy, and resisting arrest. They are supposed to be arraigned Monday in Attleboro District Court, police said. Their names were not released.
Throughout the morning, residents from across Mansfield continued to report more instances where people were stealing or breaking into their cars, according to police. The specific areas from which calls came in were:
- The Fieldstone Drive neighborhood including Deer Path Lane, Deer Path Circle and Gloria Drive
- Ware Street between Short Street and Kevin’s Way
- Branch Street in the area of Fieldstone Drive
- Newell Lane
- The Marshall Avenue neighborhood including Aspen, Smiley Avenue, and Denwood Street
After searching around town, police believe there is one other suspect they are looking for. They remain unidentified, according to police.
The department is asking anyone with surveillance video to contact the Mansfield Police Department’s Detective Division at alattanzio@mansfieldma.com or by calling our Tip Line at 508-261-7356:
