Repeat Offenders Arrested in Brazen Car Theft Spree

In a startling turn of events, the Waterbury Police Department has apprehended two repeat offenders responsible for a series of high-profile car thefts, including the theft of a $575,000 Ferrari from Greenwich, Connecticut. The arrests have sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the persistence of such criminal activities and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues.

Uncovering a Troubling Pattern of Repeat Offenses

Stolen Luxury Vehicles and the Pursuit of Justice

The investigation began with the theft of a 2023 Ferrari, valued at a staggering $575,000, from Greenwich on September 16th. The Waterbury Police Department (WPD) quickly identified the stolen vehicle and attempted to pull it over, but the driver, later identified as Dion Schontten, a 22-year-old from Waterbury, fled the scene. Undeterred, the WPD continued their pursuit, ultimately apprehending Schontten and charging him with larceny of a motor vehicle.

A Second Stolen Vehicle and the Involvement of a Repeat Offender

The investigation took an even more troubling turn when, on the following Thursday, the WPD discovered a 2023 Acura that had been reported missing from New York. Two suspects, Keon Webster, age 18, and Dion Schontten, were taken into custody. The police investigation revealed that the two suspects had been alternating driving the stolen vehicle, further compounding the severity of their crimes.

Extensive Criminal Histories and the Challenges of Repeat Offenders

The arrests of Schontten and Webster were particularly significant due to their extensive criminal histories. Schontten was charged with a second offense of larceny of a motor vehicle, while Webster faced a staggering seventh offense of the same crime. This pattern of repeat offenses highlights the persistent nature of the problem and the need for a more comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues that drive these individuals to continue engaging in criminal activities.

Waterbury Police Department's Commitment to Accountability

Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo expressed the department's unwavering commitment to investigating motor vehicle thefts and holding individuals accountable for their actions. He emphasized that the arrest of Schontten and Webster, both with extensive criminal histories, demonstrates the WPD's dedication to ensuring that repeat offenders are held responsible, preventing them from continuing to victimize the community.

Bail Reductions and the Ongoing Challenges

Despite the gravity of the charges, the court proceedings took an unexpected turn when Schontten's bond was reduced from $300,000 to $150,000, and Webster's bond was reduced from $1,000,000 to $300,000. This decision has raised concerns about the potential for these individuals to reoffend and the need for a more robust system to address the complex issues surrounding repeat offenders.

Encouraging the Public's Involvement

The Waterbury Police Department has urged the public to come forward with any information regarding stolen vehicles, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in combating this persistent problem. The department has provided contact information for the Waterbury Police Department Auto Theft Task Force and the Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line, encouraging citizens to play an active role in the ongoing investigation and the pursuit of justice.The arrests of Dion Schontten and Keon Webster have shed light on the troubling pattern of repeat offenses in the Waterbury area, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues that drive these individuals to continue engaging in criminal activities. As the investigation continues, the Waterbury Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to holding offenders accountable and working closely with the community to combat the scourge of motor vehicle theft.