WATERBURY, CT – A federal grand jury has indicted three Waterbury men in connection with a brazen crime spree that culminated in the shooting of a Waterbury Police detective in February. ARIAN PEREZ-FELICIANO, also known as “A,” 21, ALBERTO RODRIGUEZ, also known as “NeNe,” 19, and SYDNEY REID, also known as “Syd,” 18, are facing decades behind bars if convicted on a slew of federal charges.
The indictment, returned August 7, 2025, details a conspiracy to steal firearms and marijuana, and to commit carjackings using stolen vehicles. The trio allegedly kicked off their spree January 13, 2025, robbing victims of a 12-gauge shotgun, narcotics, cash, and other valuables – each wielding a firearm directly at their targets’ faces, according to the indictment.
The situation escalated dramatically on February 13, 2025. Around 8:30 p.m., the crew attempted an armed carjacking on Waterville Street in Waterbury. Not satisfied, they quickly moved on to Chase Avenue, successfully hijacking another vehicle. But their joyride ended abruptly when Waterbury Police officers gave chase. In a chilling act of violence, PEREZ-FELICIANO allegedly opened fire on a pursuing detective, striking the officer in the thigh in a clear attempt to kill him.
The seven-count indictment lays out a litany of charges: conspiracy; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; interference with commerce by robbery; carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; attempted carjacking; carjacking; and carrying, using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Prosecutors are aiming for the maximum – a mandatory minimum of 17 years in prison and a potential life sentence for each defendant.
“An indictment is not evidence of guilt,” stressed U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan. “These are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” The investigation was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Waterbury Police Department, led by Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien and Waterbury Police Chief Fernando C. Spagnolo respectively.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr., along with Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildesen, Jr. (cross-designated as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney), are prosecuting the case. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. The shooting has shaken the Waterbury police force and the community, and a conviction will likely bring some measure of relief – but won’t undo the trauma inflicted on the injured detective.
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Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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