Two Arrested in East Haven Following Joy Ride in Stolen Car
Two New Haven juveniles have been arrested in East Haven after a brief pursuit during the early morning hours on Tuesday, Oct. 17.
According to East Haven Police, Officer William Coppola observed a Nissan Altima traveling southbound on Hemingway Avenue at a high rate of speed at 2:13 a.m. As the vehicle passed the officer, Coppola's license plate reader alerted him that the Altima was stolen. Coppola attempted to pull the car over but the driver fled eastbound on Short Beach Road turning onto Talmadge Avenue which is a dead end. The driver was able to turn around and maneuver his vehicle around Coppola onto Short Beach Road where he encountered another dead end when he crossed over the intersection of Coe Avenue and Short Beach Road.
Both juvenile occupants of the Nissan bailed from the vehicle and fled into the marsh. Officers searched the area with the help of a police K9 from New Haven. The juveniles were located a short time later walking up Hemingway Avenue. They were wet, muddy, and covered in prickers when officers located them.
During the search of the stolen vehicle, officers located a facsimile firearm as well as other miscellaneous items consistent with vehicle burglaries.
One juvenile was charged with larceny in the second degree, engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving, conspiracy and illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, and interfering with police.
The second juvenile was charged with cosnpiracy and illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana, and interfering with police.
They are scheduled to appear at juvenile court in New Haven on October 26.
East Haven Police are asking residents to contact them if they have been the victim of any vehicle break-ins. Some of the personal property recovered during this incident is believed to also be stolen. Residents are urged to lock their vehicles at night.