Two Arrests, One DUI, and a Car Held Together by Hope

By Jack Beckett | The Farmington Mercury
Always Last to Breaking News

Farmington police had themselves a twofer this week, reminding residents that even in a town defined by colonial charm and aggressively quiet zoning meetings, excitement still manages to sneak in—usually via unregistered vehicles.

According to the arrest log for the period of 7:00 AM on May 5 to 7:00 AM on May 6, 2025, two individuals were taken into custody on charges ranging from run-of-the-mill larceny to driving what can only be described as a four-wheeled legal liability on Farmington Avenue.

🚗 First Up: The Rolling Violation Symphony

At 1:48 AM on May 6, Shakira Jnocharles-Qinones, 28, of East Hartford, was arrested on Farmington Avenue by Officer Malik D. Brown. The charges? A poetic medley of Connecticut’s vehicular commandments:

• Failure to drive on the right (14-230a)
• Improper use of marker/license/registration (14-147c)
• Operating or parking an unregistered motor vehicle (14-12a)
• Operating without minimum insurance (14-213b)
• Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs (14-227a)
• Operating under suspension (14-215a)

It’s unclear which came first—the suspension or the DUI—but the vehicle’s legal status was somewhere between “expired” and “imaginary.” Ms. Jnocharles-Qinones posted a $2,500 nonsurety bond and is due in court on May 13.

💸 Meanwhile, on New Britain Avenue…

At approximately 12:05 PM on May 5, Officer Brown also arrested Felix Mojica Jr., 38, of Hartford, on a warrant related to fourth-degree larceny (53a-125). He was taken into custody at 319 New Britain Avenue and held on a $3,000 surety bond. Mr. Mojica Jr. was scheduled to appear in court the very next day, May 6.

As always, it must be noted that both individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Which, for the record, is still a thing—even in a town where the most scandalous news last week was a dog digging up tulip bulbs on Mountain Spring Road.

A Word From Our Sponsor 🤝

This slice of hyperlocal justice is brought to you by Farmington Storage—proudly located at 155 Scott Swamp Road. Dial 860.777.4001 if you’re looking to stash your valuables somewhere more secure than Shakira’s glove box. We’re the only storage facility in Connecticut with Museum Air™—hermetically sealed and curated by curmudgeons. Ask about our new “Legal Documents But Make It Moody” climate-controlled section. You’re welcome.

☕ Jack Beckett’s Signature

Filed from my desk, powered by black coffee and spite, possibly both courtesy of the lukewarm urn at the Town Hall Annex. Remember, if it happens in Farmington and smells vaguely of brake fluid or hot mulch, I’m probably writing about it.

📬 For more tales of moral ambiguity, municipal drama, and minor crimes with major flair, explore The Farmington Mercury.

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