Operation Praying Mantis Nets 267 Arrests in CT; 8 in Greenwich

The Greenwich Police Department participated in a Statewide Warrant
Sweep Operation.

Operation Praying Mantis involved several months of planning and over 90 municipal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Connecticut. All arrest warrants served were for State of Connecticut charges and pertain to crimes in violation of Connecticut General Statutes. The operation commenced pre-dawn with each participating agency conducting sweeps for wanted persons within their geographical areas.

In total this operation netted the arrest of 267 wanted persons across the state who were fugitives from justice.

The Greenwich Police served eight arrest warrants on the following individuals:

• Jared Epstein, 361 Stanwich Road, Greenwich. FTA 2nd Degree
• Santos H. Aquino-Zapata, 95 Richmond Hill Ave, Stamford. FTA 2nd (two warrants)
• Joseph M. Gavin, 1 Capalbo Place, Cos Cob, FTA 2nd Degree
• Rocco Lombardi, 13 Reynolds Place, Greenwich, Threatening 1st Degree
• Constantine Poulos, 32 Ridge St, Cos Cob, FTA 2nd (two warrants)
• Boubakar Toure, 151 Bradhurst St, Yonkers NY, FTA 2nd Degree

In addition to the aforementioned subjects, members of the warrant task force apprehended two individuals suspected of passing counterfeit $100 bills at retail establishments on Greenwich Avenue. These two subjects were arrested and charged with Forgery 1st Degree.

Per the State Police Intelligence Center, this operation was conducted with the intent of ensuring a cost effective method of serving outstanding warrants by utilizing a unified mass operation.

This operation is a good example of collaboration to uphold the judicial system which demands fugitives from justice are presented with an opportunity to a speedy and fair trial.

Likewise, Greenwich Police say they have capitalized on the opportunity to enhance community safety by removing proven and potentially dangerous fugitives from the streets.

Furthermore, this operation shows the commitment and the spirit of cooperation among the law the enforcement community which will no doubt continue after the conclusion of this operation. This operation illustrates the necessity of working together, and by doing so, can make Connecticut a safer state for all.