Anthony
Super Moderator
A Connecticut man suspected of carjacking a woman’s vehicle earlier this month was arrested after he drove the stolen SUV to a phony meeting with his probation officer, according to police in New Haven.
Gary Harding is accused of stealing a Honda CR-V from a 23-year-old Stamford woman outside a supermarket parking lot on Sept. 13. and later may have used it to rob a bank.
The suspect was arrested in New Haven for what he thought was to be a meeting with his probation officer.
"Thank God people aren't always very bright, it really does make our job a lot easier," said New Haven Police spokesman David Hartman. "Not only to make the apprehension, but then to also have the main piece of evidence delivered right to us. That was icing on the cake."
According to police, Gary Harding approached the woman in the parking lot from behind. He implied that he had a gun tucked into his waistband and took the victim's vehicle.
Several witnesses were able to identify the suspect, according to authorities.
Police obtained surveillance video from the supermarket and it showed what appeared to be Harding stealing the woman's SUV.
Authorities passed Harding’s photo throughout the law enforcement community. Eventually Harding's probation officer recognized him and contacted New Haven police.
Hartman said police came up with the plan to bring Harding in for a meeting with his probation officer.
The probation officer reached out to Harding to set up the meeting. Harding arrived in the victim's stolen Honda CRV.
He was arrested and charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree larceny.
Harding was held on $200,000 bail and is scheduled to appear Oct. 14 in state Superior Court in New Haven, according to court records.
As for the bank robbery, police say that case is still under investigation.
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