MASS. STATE TROOPERS NAB CONNECTICUT FUGITIVES WHO DID MORE THAN 88 KNOWN HOUSE BREAKS

Heads-up policing -- and an old-fashioned shoe leather investigation -- led Massachusetts State Police today to two men wanted in a massive string of burglaries in Connecticut.

A trooper from the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit was doing routine checks of motel registrants in Central Massachusetts when he discovered that a man checked in to a Super 8 motel in Leominster had the same name as a man wanted as a fugitive from Connecticut in connection with nearly 100 burglaries along the Interstate 95 corridor over the last three years.

Troopers set up surveillance of the hotel and when the man came down to the lobby, they questioned him and determined he was the same man wanted for the Connecticut burglaries. The State Police Special Tactical Operations (STOP) Team conducted an entry into the man's hotel room and located an accomplice, also wanted in connection with the Connecticut burglary ring. Preliminary investigation suggest the men fled to Massachusetts several days ago.

Arrested at the motel were BERNARD McALLISTER and MARK MISSINO. The fugitives were booked at the State Police Leominster Barracks and are being held on high bond pending rendition to Connecticut.

Connecticut Police allege the men were involved in at least 88 burglaries in communities along the Connecticut shoreline. Among the items stolen were weapons, jewelry and luxury coats. The total value of stolen items is estimated at over $1 million.

No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.