TROY — An investigation is underway after a stolen car was abandoned at a residence in Troy, which kicked off a series of burglaries in Lowell that lasted throughout Sunday night, and early Monday morning.
Police say that the crime spree started when a white, 1997 Saturn that had been stolen on November 19, arrived at the home of Bill Lantagne, 24, located at 6380 Route 100 in Troy. The unknown individuals driving the Saturn abandoned the vehicle on Lantagne’s property, at which point they entered his garage and stole two ATVs.
One of the ATVs, a 90cc youth model, was recovered mid-morning on Monday, parked behind Newport Center Elementary School. The other, a 2007 Honda Rancher, was recovered later that day parked behind an apartment building located at 236 Highland Avenue, in Newport.
Police believe the suspects that were driving the stolen vehicle made off with the ATVs, then embarked on a rash of burglaries throughout the night in Lowell, ending in three homes and one business being broken into, most of which were occupied at the time of the robberies.
Kenneth Dufour, 61, of Lowell, was home when the suspects entered through an unlocked door and stole cash, a digital camera, and a pair of binoculars. They also entered his garage and went through his vehicle.
Another victim, Juanita Tetreault, 54, of Lowell, was home when the suspects entered through an unlocked door and stole her purse, which included her wallet, cell phone, and cash.
They then forced their way through a side window at Flash’s Fix It Shop, a small engine repair business owned by Andre Tetreault, 71, of Lowell. The break-in caused extensive damage, and the suspects made off with cash taken from the shop.
Merle Crawford Sr., 69, of Lowell, had cash and medication stolen, after the suspects entered his home through an unlocked rear door. It’s believed that they also forced their way into Crawford’s other residence through a side door, located at 2156 Route 100, however, nothing was missing from this property.
Police say that the burglaries are all believed to be tied to the stolen car. They are seeking the public’s help as they continue to investigate, and anyone with information is being asked to contact VSP Derby at: 802-334-8881.
