DNA links Connecticut man to stolen vehicle theft

NEW FAIRFIELD, CT (WFSB) – A man was arrested on stolen vehicle charges after DNA linked him to the crime, Connecticut State police said.

Troopers charged 23-year-old Albert Sanchez-Hernandez of Bethel with larceny of a motor vehicle, sixth-degree larceny, and first-degree criminal trover.

On Dec. 17, 2024, New Fairfield police said they responded to the report of a stolen vehicle on Fulton Drive that was said to have occurred during the overnight hours.

On Dec. 19, 2024, state police said a trooper was investigating an unrelated crash in Sherman when the trooper spotted property from the previously reported stolen vehicle inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle involved in the crash.

With help from the Connecticut Adult Parole and Probation Office, New Fairfield officers interviewed one of the people involved in the collision.

“Information was developed that led police to believe that the stolen vehicle was being operated in the Stamford area, with a New York registration plate now attached,” state police said in their report.

State police said the stolen vehicle was recovered unoccupied in Danbury on Dec. 31, 2024.

They said DNA samples were collected from the stolen vehicle and sent to the state forensic laboratory for examination.

The results led to the identification of Sanchez-Hernandez as a potential suspect.

“After applying for a search and seizure warrant for Sanchez-Hernandez’s DNA, a sample was obtained which was later confirmed to be the DNA sample obtained from inside the stolen motor vehicle,” state police said.

An arrest warrant was granted by Danbury Superior Court.

On May 20, 2025, Sanchez-Hernandez was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant.

Sanchez-Hernandez was held on a court-set $50,000 bond, which troopers said he was unable to post.

He was transported to the Department of Correction ahead of his May 21 court date.

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