Hartford residents may see an increased enforcement presence in neighborhoods where auto thefts are under investigation after local detectives arrested a man they say was driving a stolen car in the city.
What happened
Police say members of the Greater Hartford Regional Auto Theft Task Force identified a stolen 2017 Hyundai Elantra traveling northbound on Broad Street on June 24. Detectives followed the vehicle discreetly and then converged on it when it parked near 94 Russ St., taking the driver into custody, according to the Hartford Police Department.
Charges and custody
The man was identified by police as Jaye Leupold, 40, of New Britain. He was charged with multiple offenses, including theft of a motor vehicle, second-degree larceny, use of a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission, and related criminal trover counts, the department said.
Leupold was transported to the Hartford Police Detention Facility. Court records show he has since been released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to appear before a judge on Aug. 13. The Hyundai was seized by investigators as part of the ongoing probe.
Investigative follow-up
Hartford police are continuing the investigation and seeking public help. Officials asked anyone with information to contact the department’s tip line.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Hartford Police Department Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).
- Suspect: Jaye Leupold, 40, New Britain
- Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Elantra (reported stolen)
- Next court date: Aug. 13
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | June 24 |
| Location | Broad St.; parked near 94 Russ St., Hartford |
| Agency | Greater Hartford Regional Auto Theft Task Force; Hartford Police Department |
Officials did not release additional information about whether other suspects remain under investigation or where the vehicle was originally reported stolen. The department’s request for tips aims to develop leads and discourage vehicle thefts in Hartford neighborhoods.
Hartford residents with security cameras or information about suspicious activity in the area on June 24 are encouraged to contact police at the tip line to assist investigators.
