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WEBSTER — A 5-month crime spree that police say stretched from April through September has come to an end with a Webster man now facing 29 new criminal charges.
Gavin Barszcz, 30, of North Main Street, was arrested multiple times in connection with a string of thefts, break-ins and assaults that investigators say escalated over the summer. He is currently being held at the Worcester County House of Correction.
The Webster Police Department said the spree began on April 17th, when officers caught Barszcz breaking into 2 vehicles during an overnight patrol. Officers found keys and cash from the cars in his pockets, leading to charges that included 2 counts of breaking and entering a vehicle for a felony and 3 counts of receiving stolen property.
On June 1st, police said Barszcz stole a motorcycle from Prospect Street and later admitted taking it with his mother to sell for drug money. He was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, vandalizing property and conspiracy.
Over the next several weeks, officers repeatedly spotted Barszcz operating unregistered motorcycles and fleeing police at high speeds. He was charged with multiple traffic offenses, including negligent operation and failure to stop for police. Investigators also received reports that he had pointed a handgun at someone while riding.
Police said the spree turned violent on September 9th, when Barszcz allegedly assaulted a woman known to him at an apartment on Wall Street. He was charged with assault and battery on a family or household member and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Detectives executed search warrants the next day at 2 apartments linked to Barszcz, uncovering evidence connected to a Dudley home invasion that targeted an 85-year-old woman. Investigators believe Barszcz profited $50,000 to $100,000 from the theft of $250,000 in cash. Police said he used the money to buy luxury vehicles, motorcycles, watches, and other items. Several vehicles were seized during the searches.
Barszcz now faces additional charges of felony receiving stolen property over $1,200, conspiracy, and accessory after the fact. Webster police credited their officers, detectives, and the Dudley Police Department for their work in the multi-agency investigation.
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