3 arrested in Berlin, CT after ATM theft investigation

BERLIN, CT— Three Connecticut men were arrested Thursday in connection with two gas station burglaries, including one where an ATM was stolen, according to Berlin police.

Francisco Ayala, 24, of Ansonia, Donnie James, 21, of Bridgeport, and Edgar Crespo, 34, also of Bridgeport, were each held on $300,000 bond following their arrests on March 27.

The suspects face multiple charges including third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, third-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny, and second-degree criminal mischief.

According to the Berlin Police Department Investigations Division, the first incident occurred at the Mobil Gas Station on Berlin Turnpike on Feb. 5 at approximately 2 a.m., where suspects attempted unsuccessfully to steal an ATM.

Police said the same suspects later targeted the Pit Stop Gas Station on Berlin Turnpike on Feb. 20, where they successfully stole an ATM during an overnight burglary.

Each suspect faces two counts of third-degree burglary, two counts of conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, third-degree larceny, two counts of conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny, and two counts of second-degree criminal mischief.

The investigation was conducted by the Berlin Police Department Investigations Division, which led to the arrest warrants being issued.