Bridgeport Man Found With Stolen Firearm After Foot Chase: Shelton PD

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A Bridgeport man was arrested Monday on charges connected to over 20 vehicle break-ins recently report in Shelton, according to Shelton police.

In a news release, Police Capt. Robert Kozlowsky said approximately 25 vehicle break-ins were reported in the Bridgeport Avenue area of downtown Shelton over the course of several days.

According to Kozlowsky, a firearm was also reported stolen in one of the break-ins.

In response, police increased patrols in the area and identified a suspect vehicle, which was reported stolen, Kozlowsky said.

On Monday, an officer patrolling the downtown area spotted the stolen vehicle in the Cornell Street parking lot, which quickly fled from the area at a high rate of speed and nearly struck the officer's vehicle, according to Kozlowsky.

After striking another vehicle on Howe Avenue, a man exited the stolen vehicle and began to flee on foot, Kozlowsky said.

An officer chased the man on foot and saw him reach inside a bag as he ran away. When the officer caught up to the man, a flash light, ski mask and multiple sets of car keys were found inside the bag, according to Kozlowsky.

Officers also searched the area where the foot pursuit occurred and found the firearm that was reported stolen in one of the recent break-ins, Kozlowsky said.

Jostyne Morales-Ortiz, 27, of Bridgeport, was charged with interfering with an officer, second-degree criminal trover, criminal possession of a firearm, larceny of motor vehicle, theft of firearm, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and first-degree reckless endangerment, as well as violation of a protective order and several motor vehicle offenses.

Morales-Ortiz also had active warrants, one charging him with first-degree failure to appear and two charging him with violation of probation, which were served by Shelton police, according to Kozlowsky.

Morales-Ortiz was arraigned in court Tuesday, Kozlowsky said.

Kozlowsky also noted Shelton detectives are still investigating the vehicle break-ins and additional charges and arrests are possible.