Police Blotter: A Family Burglary Ring, Mailbox Hit-and-Run, Crack Cocaine in the Console

Nov. 29 Jose Melendez, 28, of Sanford Road, Bridgeport, was picked up by Woodbridge Police from police in Bergen County, New Jersey and arrested on a warrant. Melendez is accused of being involved with a Woodbridge burglary that took place on Feb. 25. Police say he is part of a burglary ring comprised of a large extended family that has operated throughout CT, NJ, NY and parts of PA. This ring is suspected of being involved in at least 50 residential burglaries. Melendez was charged with Burglary 3rd, Larceny 1st and Conspiracy to Commit both. He was held on a $75,000 court-set bond and arraigned on Nov. 30.

Eric Briere, 20, of Beacon Falls, was arrested at the intersection of Routes 63 and 67. Police had been notified of a disabled vehicle and when they arrived they found it had heavy front-end damage, apparently from hitting a mailbox and then fleeing the scene. Briere was charged with Driving With No Insurance, Evading Responsibility and Interfering With an Officer. His court date was Nov. 30.

Matthew Pines, 28, of Waterbury, was pulled over for a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Litchfield Turnpike and Bishop Road on Nov. 16 at 11:22 a.m. Police found needles and two glass pipes in the center console; the pipes tested positive for crack cocaine. Pines was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Narcotics and released on a $500 bond.

Nov. 29, Jakeith Jackson, 31, of Bridgeport, was arrested on a warrant for an accident that occurred on Nov. 13 at Amity and Field Stone Roads. Jackson was charge with Operating Under Suspension, Traveling Too Fast, Failure to Drive in the Proper Lane and Distracted Driving. His court date is set for Dec. 12 and he was released on a promise to appear.