In March 2025, Stratford Police received two separate complaints from residents who unknowingly purchased stolen vehicles online—one on Craigslist and another on Facebook—each costing about $12,000. Detective Jay Delauri executed five search warrants, leading to the arrest of 30-year-old Tyrone Purcell of Seymour, a convicted felon with prior firearms charges. Purcell surrendered to police on August 1, 2025, and was charged with multiple counts including Forgery, Identity Theft, and Larceny. He was released on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on August 8, 2025.

