CPD: East Ramapo trailer heist thwarted by attentive officer

A Bronx man is accused of attempting to steal a truck trailer that belonged to the East Ramapo School District this past weekend.

On Saturday, February 20 at approximately 10 p.m. the Clarkstown Police Department arrested Jose Deleon-Cotto, 52, after a traffic stop on Middletown Rd. in Nanuet. An officer spotted a truck and trailer exiting a construction area with a mini excavator on the trailer. The trailer gained the officer’s attention because it had no brake lights.

Upon investigation it was determined the trailer had been stolen from the East Ramapo School District. The truck, trailer and excavator were towed to a police facility.

This investigation will continue to determine if the mini excavator being transported on the trailer was also stolen property. The value of the trailer was estimated to be $5,000.

Deleon-Cotto was arrested and transported to police headquarters for processing. He was charged with criminal possession stolen property third (felony), possession of a forged instrument second (felony) and numerous traffic infractions. He was arraigned in Clarkstown Court and held on $15,000 bail.