On 05/29/2023 at approximately 9:11 AM, a Trooper assigned to Troop C in Tolland was dispatched to a residence in the town of Ellington for a report or a stolen motor vehicle taken from the driveway overnight.
During the early stages of the investigation, investigators were unable to develop information regarding the location of the stolen 2020 Subaru Legacy.
On 08/01/2023, the stolen Subaru was located in New Britain by New Britain Police Officers.
Once the vehicle was recovered, the Trooper collected DNA evidence from inside of the vehicle to send to the Forensic Lab for examination. An examination of the DNA evidence conducted by a Forensic Science Examiner revealed a positive DNA hit, identifying the suspect as Eduardo Mercado, DOB 08/31/2001, of Meriden.
As an additional investigative step, the Trooper completed a search warrant to obtain a confirmatory sample of Mercado's DNA, which was approved and signed by a Judge. The Trooper then executed the search warrant and obtained DNA samples from Mercado, who was incarcerated at the New Haven Correctional Center relative to separate matters The samples collected were subsequently submitted to the Forensic Lab for examination. Results of the examination confirmed that the DNA sample obtained from Mercado's person was consistent with the DNA evidence collected from the stolen Subaru.
Based on this information, the Trooper submitted an arrest warrant application for Mercado's arrest, which was approved and signed by a Judge.
At one point during the investigation, it was discovered that Mercado was no longer in custody at New Haven Correctional Center.
Continuous efforts were made to locate Mercado, but no new information was developed regarding Mercado's whereabouts.
On 09/05/2024, with the assistance of Meriden Police, Mercado was located and placed under arrest on the strength of the active arrest warrant. A Trooper from Troop C met with Meriden Officers and subsequently took Mercado into State Police custody. Mercado was then transported to Troop C, where he was processed and charged with the following violation:
C.G.S. 53a-119c - Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
Mercado was held on a $50,000 bond and was scheduled for arraignment at Rockville Superior Court on 09/06/2024.
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