HARTFORD — A Hartford man is facing multiple charges after police say he admitted to stealing an SUV from a busy plaza parking lot last week, only for the vehicle to be recovered a short time later in the same area.
According to the Hartford Police Department, officers were flagged down Tuesday after a vehicle was reported stolen from the parking lot of Unity Plaza on Barbour Street. The stolen vehicle was identified as a 2015 Subaru Forester that had been left unattended in the lot.
Police said responding officers immediately began an investigation and used license plate reader technology to help narrow down the search area. With the assistance of this data, officers were able to focus their efforts within the surrounding neighborhood rather than launching a wider search.
Nearly two hours after the initial report, officers located the stolen Subaru Forester back in the Unity Plaza parking lot. The vehicle was found unoccupied and appeared to be undamaged, police said.
Investigators then reviewed surveillance footage from the plaza, which helped identify the individual believed to be responsible for taking the vehicle. Police identified the suspect as Wayne Goggins, 58, of Hartford.
According to authorities, Goggins later confessed to stealing the SUV. He was taken into custody and charged with third-degree larceny and theft of a motor vehicle in connection with the incident.
Police confirmed that the Subaru was returned to its registered owner shortly after it was recovered. The department’s Auto Theft Unit was also notified and assisted with the investigation.
Officials did not indicate whether the keys were left inside the vehicle or how the suspect gained access. Police continue to remind residents to take precautions when parking in public areas, including locking doors, removing keys, and avoiding leaving vehicles unattended for extended periods.
Goggins is expected to face the charges in court at a later date. No additional suspects are believed to be involved at this time, and the investigation is considered closed.
Anyone with information related to vehicle thefts or suspicious activity in Hartford parking areas is encouraged to contact local police.
