Cops: Alleged 'Gypsies' Operating Illegal Traveling Car Repair Service

Two men police referred to as "Gypsies" were arrested when they allegedly attempted to get an elderly woman pay them $600 in cash to do an on-the-spot bumper repair, authorities announced Tuesday.

The New Haven men, identified by police as Bobby Miller, 24, of Fairmont Street, and Toby Pete, 26, of Farren Avenue, were in the parking lot of a W. Main Street shopping center when they stopped a woman with damage to her bumper. The pair allegedly told the woman they could repair it right then and the for the cash, according to police.

Another patron of the shopping center called authorities after becoming concerned over what the patron felt was the men taking advantage of the woman. Upon arrival, police said they discovered the men were driving around in a van loaded up with spare car parts.

It was discovered the men had previously been involved with police over operation of the illegitimate business, police said, so the pair was taken into custody.

Miller was charged with failure to display a permit, defying a town ordinance carrying a fine of $51-$90 and failure to maintain a license required to sell or repair motor vehicles.

Pete faces charges of conducting illegal sales without a sales tax permit, defying a town ordinance carrying a fine of $51-$90 and failure to maintain a license required to sell or repair motor vehicles.

They were each held on $500 bond. Police took possession of the van.

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Other Arrests

Nicola Bowes, 34, of Limerick St., was charged Monday night with second-degree failure to appear.

Larry Albert Bowler, 62, of Fairfield Ave., was charged Monday evening with illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension.

Saul A. Castro, 46, of West Walk in West Haven, was charged Monday morning with illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension, failure to register a commercial motor vehicle, following too closely to a non0commercial motor vehicle and failure to insure a private motor vehicle.

Carl Joseph, 33, of Warren St., was charged Monday morning with disorderly mischief and third-degree criminal mischief.

Octavia Parker, 43, homeless, was charged early Tuesday with first-degree criminal mischief.

Yolanda Rosario, 34, of Glenbrook Rd., was charged Monday afternoon with sixth-degree larceny (shoplifting).

Keith Thompson, 48, of S. Pacific St., was charged early Tuesday with first-degree criminal mischief.