Three Charged in Attempted Car Engine Theft

Three area residents are facing larceny and criminal mischief charges after police said they were caught attempting to steal an engine block from a home off of West Street Monday morning.

Waterbury resident Jordan Cushon, 22, and Bristol residents Tyrone Cahill, 25, and Sheri Benson, 36, were each taken into custody on charges of third-degree criminal trespassing and conspiracy to commit third-degree criminal trespassing.

Cushon and Cahill are also facing charges of sixth-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny.

“This was a case where someone called in a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of the road and it led officers to catch a crime in progress,” said Southington Police Sgt. Lowell DePalma.

Police responded to West Street near the intersection of Churchill Street just after 10 a.m. and arrived to find Benson sitting in a Ford Mustang, a police report said. Moments later, Cushon and Cahill were seen walking out of a wooded area toward the car.

An investigation found that the two men were trying to steal a Ford engine block from a private residence at the intersection and had planned to sell the engine, valued at $200 for cash, police said. Cahill admitted to knowing the engine was on the property and that’s why they had targeted the home.

All three were arraigned in Bristol Superior Court Tuesday and released after posting bond, according to court officials.