DHS Prom Photos Lead to Burglary Arrest

A chance sighting of a high-end wristwatch in photos from the  prom led to the arrest of a youthful offender last week for burglary, according to .

The arrest stems from an April 17 complaint by a resident of Avalon Darien, who reported that some $6,600 in jewelry, watches, and other items had been stolen from his home on April 15. He told police that his residence had been unsecured between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. that day.

According to Darien Police Capt. Fred Komm, the resident suspected that the burglar might have been a DHS student who had visited his apartment before and who was known to the man's dogs.

On May 17, Komm said the resident noticed the student in question in an online photo gallery from the May 13 DHS prom. Closer inspection of one image showed a watch on the boy's wrist — an Invicta 5511 — that matched the model taken from his home.

The resident showed the photo to police, who confirmed the apparent match and obtained search warrants for the boy and his home.

While executing those warrants on Monday, June 6, Komm said the youth admitted to having taken the items. 

Komm said police found one of the missing watches in the boy's bedroom and that he directed police to a duffel bag in the woods nearby where the remainder of the items were hidden.

The youth was charged with third degree burglary and third degree larceny. He was released on a promise to appear in court on June 17.