West Hartford Police Arrest Two in Connection with Stolen Car, Illegal Firearm
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West Hartford Police Department hybrid SUV. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)
West Hartford Police arrested two previously convicted felons on Thursday – a suspect with a stolen car who was with another man in possession of an illegal firearm.
By Ronni Newton
West Hartford Police said an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) helped them track down a stolen motor vehicle on New Park Avenue on Thursday, Oct. 1 – and they found that driver traveling with the operator of a second vehicle who was in possession of an illegal firearm.
The two male drivers, both of whom are previously convicted felons, were taken into custody without incident.
According to West Hartford Police Capt. Aaron Vafiades, officers were first alerted by an ALPR that a vehicle reported stolen – a BMW M6 – had been spotted on New Park Avenue. Detectives soon located the stolen vehicle in the parking lot of 510 New Park Avenue.
Vafiades said officers had determined that the driver of the stolen vehicle was traveling with another vehicle, which was parked with the BMW, also at 510 New Park Avenue. The operator of the second vehicle was carrying an illegal weapon.
Obrien Watson, 30, of Middletown, has been charged with larceny of a motor vehicle and second-degree larceny. He is being held on $50,000 bond.
Obrien Watson. Courtesy of West Hartford Police
The operator of the second vehicle was identified as Romario Rose, 32, of Hartford, who was on parole for previous convictions. He was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal possession of an assault weapon, and criminal possession of a pistol or revolver.
Rose was being held on $500,000 bond.
Romario Rose. Courtesy of West Hartford Police
Firearm and ammunition seized by West Hartford Police on Oct. 1, 2026. Courtesy of West Hartford Police
Both suspects are scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on Friday.
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