Crew of Thieves Arrested during the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga
Opportunistic Thieves Popped By Police
A crew of three tried to score a payday during the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, but this trio wasn't interested in hitting a massive trifecta or the Pick-6.
Instead, police in Saratoga Springs say this crew kept a watchful eye on unsuspecting patrons, hoping to rob or steal if the opportunity arose.
Thanks to some good police work by some officers in plain clothes, the alleged thieves were apprehended.
156th Belmont Stakes
Good Police Work Took Down the Crew
According to the Saratoga Springs Police Department, three arrests were made on Saturday, during Belmont Race Day at the Saratoga Race Course.
As you'd imagine, this high-profile event brought many wealthy racing fans, athletes, and celebs to Upstate New York, including current Fox NFL analyst and Hall of Fame player Terry Bradshaw from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
156th Belmont Stakes
The report states that members of NYRA Security, the Saratoga Springs Police Department, and the New York State Police conducted "a proactive operation to monitor for suspicious or criminal activity in the large crowds in attendance."
The SSPD says that during the operation, "plainclothes officers observed a group of individuals acting suspiciously." As they monitored the situation, surveillance revealed the suspects were stealing personal property from an unknowing patron "before attempting to flee the area."
Police Got Them Before They Got Away
Uniformed officers got to the trio quickly and detained the suspects without incident. The stolen property was recovered and returned to its rightful owner, who was unaware they had been victimized.
These three were taken into custody, processed, and released on appearance tickets:
- Darla Salazar-Quinpanta, 21, of Jersey City, NJ (charged with Robbery in the 2nd Degree)
- Kevin Chango Ilaby, 24, of Brooklyn, NY (accused of conspiracy in the 4th Degree)
- Kevin Chouiana Toroshina, 20, of Brooklyn, NY (suspected of conspiracy in the 4th Degree)
Photo: Saratoga Springs Police Department, Canva
LOOK: Baby names losing popularity in the 21st century
Stacker took a look at the names losing popularity in the 21st century, using data from the Social Security Administration.
Gallery Credit: Stacker
Top 50 American Bands
Gallery Credit: UCR Staff