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Police: Stamford Man Set Stolen Car On Fire, Is Suspect In Violent Crimes

STAMFORD, Conn. — A video from a Stamford gas station shows a suspect in numerous violent incidents across Fairfield County putting a gas nozzle into the back seat of a stolen car shortly before it was found on fire, Stamford Police said in announcing his arrest.

Tyriek Gantt was arrested in Stamford this week and Bridgeport last week. He is also suspected of violent crimes in Norwalk.

Tyriek Gantt was arrested in Stamford this week and Bridgeport last week. He is also suspected of violent crimes in Norwalk.

Photo Credit: Stamford Police Department

Tyriek Gantt, 19, of 143 Connecticut Ave., is facing charges of arson, second-degree conspiracy to commit arson and second-degree larceny. He was held on $200,000 bond. Stamford Police arrested Gantt after he was released on $35,000 bond in connection with charges in Bridgeport last week stemming from a police pursuit

Related story: Click here to read about Gantt's arrest in Bridgeport.

Stamford police Capt. Richard Conklin said police were called in to investigate a fire at about 8:15 p.m. Jan. 14 at 401 Oakwood Place that totally engulfed a red Subaru Forrester. 

Officers discovered that the vehicle had been stolen from a pizza delivery driver in Bridgeport on Jan. 8. The delivery driver told police the suspects also stole his money, cellphone and pizza. 

That vehicle is also suspected to have been used in the Jan. 14 armed robbery of a Chinese delivery driver in Norwalk who was shot twice and robbed of his 2011 black Toyota Camry, police said. Soon after that robbery, both vehicles were recorded at a gas station at Exit 6 off I-95 in Stamford, Conklin said. 

On the surveillance video, Gantt is “seen pumping gas into the back seat of the Subaru Forrester," at about 8 p.m., Conklin said. A short time later, the car was discovered burning nearby at Oakwood Place, he said. 

Assistant Fire Marshal Antonio Forte discovered the video evidence, Conklin said.

Stamford Police had alerted Bridgeport Police last week that the Camry and the suspects would be at a certain location. Soon after, Gantt and three other suspects left the residence and were pursued by police until the Camry crashed, Conklin said.

Conklin said Gantt is also facing charges in connection with a Sept. 6 foot pursuit in which he dropped a loaded gun. Gantt managed to evade police at that time but was later arrested in Manhattan, he said.

“We are happy to have Mr. Gantt in our custody," Conklin, said adding there are multiple ongoing investigations involving Gantt.

There was no further information on any charges involving the Norwalk and Bridgeport armed robberies.

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