One Arrested for Westport Car Tire Thefts

Photo by JD Dworkow, July 7th. 

Westport Police Department

Between July 6, 2021, and July 7, 2021, Westport Police officers took two separate reports of tires and rims being stolen off vehicles.  The first incident occurred at the Saugatuck Train Station on July 6 at approximately 3:00 p.m.  The second tire/rim theft occurred at the parking garage located at 21 Wilton Road on July 7 between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

As a result of informational sharing with area police departments that experienced similar crimes Shawn Oliphant was developed as a suspect.  Evidence linking Mr. Oliphant to the two larcenies was reportedly obtained by the detective assigned to this case.

Based upon the investigation, a warrant for Mr. Oliphant’s arrest was completed and signed by a Superior Court Judge.

On the morning of September 16, 2021, Mr. Oliphant was arrested by a Westport Police detective.  Per the warrant, he was charged with Larceny in the Third Degree and Larceny in the Fourth Degree.  Mr. Oliphant was held on a $50,000 bond and arraigned later that same day at Stamford Superior Court.

Westport Police Join Motor Vehicle Theft Task Force

The Westport Police Department will be taking part in a regional motor vehicle theft task force.  Westport and its surrounding communities experience car thefts as well as vehicle break-ins on a regular basis.  These crimes are often committed by juveniles and/or young adults.

This task force is a collaboration between local law enforcement agencies to combat the proliferation of auto theft in the Fairfield County Region.  The task force will work in cooperation with other police departments to develop a comprehensive effort to deter auto theft and arrest those responsible.  In addition to Westport, the other police departments participating in the task force include Bridgeport, Fairfield, Stratford, Monroe, and Newtown.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas felt that it was important for Westport to be a part of this effort.  He stated that “by sharing resources and information with other communities that are also experiencing a large number of motor vehicle thefts our ability to solve these crimes increases exponentially.”  He added that “while the theft of cars may seem like a youthful indiscretion to some it is important to keep in mind that these stolen vehicles are often used in the commission of very serious crimes such as robberies and shootings.”  

In almost every case, the stolen vehicle was unlocked with the keys (key fob) inside.  Therefore, even with the assistance of a task force and extra officers on patrol we will never be able to truly solve this problem unless people remember to always keep their cars locked.

Man Arrested after Threatening Woman with Knife Downtown Today; Held on $250,000 Bond

Westport Police Department

At approximately 11:14am on the morning of September 12, 2021, the Westport Police Department’s emergency dispatch center was contacted by a couple who were the victims of an alleged robbery attempt that occurred on the Ruth Cohen Steinkraus Post Road Bridge. At nearly the same time the caller’s husband flagged down a patrol officer who was driving by. 

It was reported that a male party had approached the couple quickly from behind. The suspect then began walking in step with the male victim at which time he told the couple to bring him to their car. He repeated the demand as he allegedly brandished a knife and threatening the female. The female then darted across the Post Road evading cars in order to escape. Her husband followed at which time the suspect then fled the area walking eastbound towards Jesup Road. Fortunately, neither of the victims were injured.

The victims were able to provide a detailed description of the suspect which was relayed to all of the responding officers. Patrol units began to saturate the area from all directions in an effort to locate the suspect. While officers were searching the area a member of the Westport Fire Department advised that he had seen a suspect fitting the descriptors in the area of 302 Post Road East. Officers were on scene within moments and located an individual who fit the description provided by the victims. The suspect was then identified as James S Cummings, age 41, of Bridgeport, CT. Cummings matched all of the physical descriptors provided and was then detained by officers where a knife was then located on his person. The victims purportedly identified Cummings as the individual who accosted them on the bridge. 

Cummings was placed under arrest and charged with Attempt to Commit Robbery in the 1st Degree, Attempt at Larceny in the 3rd Degree, Carrying a Dangerous Weapon, and Threatening in the 2nd Degree. He is currently being held on a $250,000 bond.

In response to the events that unfolded today Police Chief Foti Koskinas stated “I am extremely proud of all the officers who assisted with this incident. The high level of skill and teamwork they exhibited led to the quick apprehension of the suspect. Additionally, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Westport Fire Department for their assistance.”

Cummings had been out on bond at the time of this incident stemming from an arrest that occurred on September 5, 2021, in which he was charged with Sexual Assault in the 4th Degree (2 Counts), Threatening in the 2nd Degree, Attempt to Commit Assault in the 3rd Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree. 

Four Cars Stolen, Compo Home Burglarized Overnight

Westport Police Department officials released that four vehicles were stolen, several were ransacked, and one Compo neighborhood home was burglarized early this morning.

While investigating, two more vehicles - one from the north side of Westport, and the other from another community - were found parked on the road, with all belongings taken out of them. Both were found to have also been stolen, ransacked, and then left behind.

The owner of two of the stolen vehicles reported that they were unlocked in the driveway with the keys in them. The other two vehicles were stolen after their key fobs were taken from the unlocked home during the burglary. Officers and canines attempted to locate the suspects, but the tracks went unfounded.

“All residents must make it a point to keep their homes and cars locked at all times.” police department officials stated.

Westport Police Department Statement: 

At approximately 6:10 a.m. on August 20, 2021, Westport Police officers responded to a residence in the Compo Beach section of town on a report of a burglary.  It was determined that one or more individuals entered the unlocked home and stole a purse as well as the key fobs for two separate vehicles.  Those vehicles were then stolen.   

As the officers were checking the area, they located an unoccupied Jeep as well as an unoccupied Toyota 4Runner near the home that was burglarized.   It was immediately determined that both vehicles were stolen.  The Jeep was taken from a home on the north side of Westport and the 4Runner was stolen in another jurisdiction.  Given that it appeared that the two cars had recently been driven, the officers set up a perimeter and began looking for the suspects.  With the assistance of a Westport Police K-9, the area was thoroughly searched, but the responsible parties were not located.

During the investigation, officers followed up with the owner of the Jeep.  The owner advised that in addition to the Jeep, a Toyota Highlander was also taken from his driveway.  He stated that both cars were unlocked with the keys inside.

In total, four cars were stolen, and a home was burglarized during today’s early morning hours. Additionally, officers have responded to several locations on reports of unlocked vehicles being entered.  

These crimes are being actively investigated.

The Westport Police Department has said it before, but it certainly bears repeating.  All residents must make it a point to keep their homes and cars locked at all times.  That will go a long way towards preventing these types of crimes from occurring.