BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Police say they have arrested two suspected car thieves with long rap sheets at a Burlington public housing project.
Police say officers arrested Katelynn Charbonneau, 28, on Tuesday morning after they found her sleeping in a laundry room at Decker Towers, a federally subsidized housing project that has had its share of problems with the homeless and drug use.
They say Charbonneau had an open warrant for her arrest stemming from a series of car thefts in December and failure to show up in court. They say Charbonneau has nearly 150 law-enforcement encounters dating back to 2011, including 13 arrests last December alone.
Police say it was the second encounter with a suspected car thief they’ve had at Decker Towers in the past week. Officers on Saturday arrested Tyrone Pinder, 32, who they say was also wanted by South Burlington Police for car theft and who they describe as a serial trespasser and car thief with a history of violence.
Authorities and Vermont lawmakers have taken notice of what they say is a revolving door in the justice system for this type of crime. Under current Vermont law, if someone enters your car but doesn’t steal it, it’s not illegal. And there’s no language involving “grand theft auto.” H.563, a bill that would include stiffer penalties has cleared the House and is in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Related Stories:
The fight for Decker Towers
Residents of Burlington apartments say crime and drug problems persist
Tenants complain Burlington apartment building is plagued by drugs, crime
Effort to crack down on car break-ins moves forward
Will new laws prevent scourge of Vermont car thefts, break-ins?
Gov. Scott pitches $8.6B budget plan to Vt. lawmakers
Car thieves target Chittenden, Addison Counties
Kia, Hyundai thefts continue around region
Police offer tips to prevent car theft at BTV airport: Don’t leave your keys
Copyright 2024 WCAX. All rights reserved.