Westport Police arrest two teens in rash of car break-ins, police looking for victims

Westport Police have arrested two teens in a rash of car break-ins where items were stolen and cars were attempted to be hot wired.

According to Detective Sergeant Christopher Dunn, on November 12, at 1:30 a.m. Officer Jeremey Dellecese was on routine patrol on State Road when his attention was drawn to the Kozy Nook Restaurant, 645 State Road. Officer Dellecese was drawn to two individuals against the entrance to the establishment on the buildings East side. Officer Dellecese observed the illumination from a flashlight through the glass vestibule. Upon entering the parking lot, Officer Dellecese noticed two individuals had the majority of their face covered by knit caps and hoods.

Officer Dellecese encountered both individuals later identified as Ian Branco, 18 of 1 South Berryman, and Codie Medeiros 18, of 7 Crane Ave Westport. A subsequent investigation by Officer Dellecese, assisted by Officers Luc Sauve and Corey Mack, revealed Branco to be in possession of a utility knife and silver flashlight. Medeiros was in possession of a small folding knife and a green back pack on his back. A shifter from a motor vehicle was also located in the backpack which was in Medeiros possession.

During the course of their investigation both Ian Branco and Codie Medeiros admitted to having attempted to “hot wire” a white Chevrolet S10 pick-up truck and a yellow Mustang. Furthermore, Medeiros stated the shifter within his backpack was taken from the yellow Mustang. Officer Sauve located both vehicles in the rear of State Road Auto Sales, 851 State Road Westport and noticed damage to the yellow mustang.

Other items were located within the green back pack. The Westport Police Department urges any residents within the area to please check their vehicles and contact the department if they notice any missing items.

Additionally, Westport Police Department would like to remind all residents to lock their vehicle’s at night as the majority of stolen items are removed from unlocked motor vehicles.

Both Branco and Medeiros are being charged with two counts of Breaking and Entering into a Motor Vehicle during the Nighttime with the Intent to Commit a Felony, one count of Malicious Damage Over $1,200.

Both males were subsequently transported to the Fall River Justice Center for arraignment.