Man returns to Conn. to face charges

DERBY, Conn. (WTNH) -- After allegedly fleeing the state, an Ansonia man has been extradited back to Connecticut to face charges.

Richard Ortiz, 40, was arrested in Florida during a routine car stop after officers discovered he was wanted in Connecticut for a string of car burglaries.

Police say Ortiz and another suspect would break into cars outside gyms to steal the purses inside. They then used the cash and credit cards to buy electronics.  

Officers were able to identify the suspects through surveillance video.

These burglaries happened during the months of April through June.

Ortiz fled the state, after police say he suspected they were on to him. He was arrested in Florida and on August 4, he was extradited back to Connecticut. He will be arraigned in Derby Superior Court on Monday.
    
There are 12 other arrest warrants issued for Ortiz across the state. The state of Georgia is also looking to extradite him for similar charges.

The second suspect has not yet been arrested. Police say the investigation is ongoing.