TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – Franz Bakter, a 33-year-old homeless man has been arrested again in possession of a stolen car. Bakter has been arrested multiple times in the past few days by Po0ughkeepsie town and city police for crimes related to stealing vehicles.
Bakter’s most recent arrest happened on Friday, December 17, after a Town of Poughkeepsie police officer on routine parole observed a vehicle that had recently been reported stolen in the City of Poughkeepsie.
The officer watched as the operator parked in a parking space in the area of 757 Main Street. Once parked, the driver exited the vehicle and began to walk away. The officer approached and apprehended the man, identified as Franz Bakter, an individual known to be a habitual car thief in the area.
Once apprehended, Bakter was processed at the Town of Poughkeepsie police headquarters and charged with felony criminal possession of stolen property. Despite his numerous recent charges related to stolen cars, Bakter was issued an appearance ticket for a future court date.
Bakter’s crime spree regarding stolen vehicles includes the following:
- December 11 arrested in a stolen car in the City of Poughkeepsie.
- December 12 arrested in a stolen vehicle in the city.
- December 15 stolen car and foot pursuit.
According to town and city police officials, Bakter and his known accomplice, Frank Booth, are stealing vehicles that are running and unattended or are unlocked with the keys in them. Both the City and Town of Poughkeepsie police are asking everyone to secure their vehicles to prevent being a victim of car theft.
Bakter was processed and, due to New York State bail reform, was released on an appearance ticket, scheduling him for a future court date with the Town of Poughkeepsie Justice Court.
The same defendant, Franz Bakter, was also arrested on December 15, 2021 after he was found to be in possession of a vehicle reported stolen out of the City of Poughkeepsie earlier that same date. On that date, Bakter was charged with criminal possession of a stolen vehicle and was released on an appearance ticket due to New York State bail reform.
Anyone with information regarding criminal activity in the Town of Poughkeepsie is asked to call 845-485-3666. Criminal behavior in the city can be reported to 845-451-7577.
