One of two suspects arrested for trying to enter an East Boston apartment is also charged in connection with a robbery that took place earlier this month.
Timothy Deconinck, 55, and William Cataldo, 59, were caught after a neighbor at the Orient Heights Apartments called 911 Saturday afternoon.
Police said the two used power tools to break into an apartment in the Waldemar Ave. building.
Authorities revealed that Deconinck was wanted in a brazen scheme that involved robbing a local business owner of nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
“I’m just glad one of the individuals was arrested,” said robbery victim Arthur Rizzo. “I was very surprised. It seems to me that they are quite stupid.”
Rizzo, owner of “The Check Place,” brought $240,000 cash to his Meridian Street business on June 7.
Then two men posing as police officers told him they had issued a warrant for his arrest before stealing his Audi A6 and all the money.
‘Get out of the car’: Victim describes carjacking in East Boston by suspects posing as police
“There is no relief until I get a refund,” he told Boston 25 News on Sunday evening.
Rizzo’s Audi A6 was found about 100 meters away after the carjacking with an empty money bag.
The money was never recovered and the second suspect is still on the run.
“You work in the business for 34 years, and then someone comes along and takes all your money,” he said. “It’s discouraging.”
Police do not speculate why Deconinck and Cataldo, who has no ties to the previous robbery, would have targeted an apartment in East Boston on Saturday afternoon.
According to the police, Deconinck was caught red-handed with a drill, drill bit and other tools in hand.
Cataldo was arrested shortly afterwards.
“It’s quite scary to see that happening around me in my own house when I’m two doors away,” says neighbor Annie Goulart. “It’s crazy and a little nerve-wracking.”
Deconinck is expected to be arraigned Monday in East Boston District Court on his outstanding warrant, which includes charges of unarmed robbery of a person over 65 years of age (subsequent offense), carjacking and impersonating a police officer.
Deconinck was also charged with possession of burglary tools, attempt to commit a crime (burglary), damaging property, assault and battery on a police officer, and resisting arrest.
Cataldo is expected to be arraigned Monday in East Boston District Court on charges of possession of burglary tools, attempting to commit a felony (burglary), damaging property and resisting arrest.
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