Nathan J. Moniz
On Monday, April 14, Westport police arrested Nathan J. Moniz, 28, of 30 Crane Ave., Westport, on charges stemming from an investigation into the disappearance of three vehicles not far from his house.
On March 10, a 1999 Ford Econoline van was taken from a yard on Oakland Street by a tow truck that was seen leaving the area.
The next day, March 11, a 2000 Chevrolet S10 Blazer was loaded onto a flatbed tow truck and stolen from a yard on Crane Avenue. A local business had captured surveillance video of the thefts, said Westport Detective Antonio Cestodio.
Westport Sgt. Johnny P. Couto visited area scrapyards and discovered that the Blazer’s final destination had been Tiverton Auto Parts, 541 Bulgarmarsh Road.
The owner of Tiverton Auto Parts said he had met with Mr. Moniz who told him he needed to have two junk vehicles removed that he claimed to own. He was paid $600 for the two, they were then towed to Tiverton Auto Parts and subsequently crushed, Det. Cestodio said.
Not known is what happened to the Ford Econoline which was taken with some of the owner’s valuable tools inside.
“During the investigation other officers had learned Mr. Moniz was soliciting prospective tow trucks in town through Facebook to remove the vehicles,” Det. Cestodio said.
He said that while police appreciate the fact the Tiverton Auto Parts insisted on obtaining Mr. Moniz’s identification which helped lead to the arrest, scrapyards “should be making sure that they obtain title for any vehicles that they purchase for scrap.”
Westport Police are asking anyone who has information about the Ford van taken on March 10 to contact them at (508) 636-1122.
“At this time it is believed that the tow company which removed the van may have unwittingly been scammed by Mr. Moniz,” said Sgt. Antonio Cestodio It is believed that the flat bed tow truck is an International that is white in color.