Two arrested in Southington after stolen vehicle stop

SOUTHINGTON — Two New Britain residents were arrested Tuesday after police stopped a stolen vehicle in Southington, leading to charges including larceny and drug possession.

Reggie Santoni, 31, and Desyer Lopez, 27, were taken into custody around 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 22 after officers located a stolen gray Fiat 500 traveling southbound on Queen Street, according to Southington police.

Officers initiated a traffic stop after the vehicle turned into an apartment complex on Baron Court.

Both suspects exited the vehicle and cooperated with police commands, authorities said.

Santoni, the driver, was charged with second-degree larceny and operating a motor vehicle without a license.

He was held on $25,000 bond.

Lopez, the passenger, faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal possession of weapons in a motor vehicle.

Police said they found approximately 3.5 grams of cocaine on Lopez and a replica airsoft pistol in the vehicle.

Lopez was released on $5,000 bond to New Britain police due to an outstanding arrest warrant.

No injuries were reported during the arrests.