Follow-Up to Chester Attempted Car Theft

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — Causing a safety alert that vibrated quickly throughout the tri-town area, via several Facebook posts, residents and town officials informed the community about a frightening incident that occurred during the early morning hours of Sunday, March 28th, which included an attempted car theft at 70 Goose Hill Road in Chester, which ended with shots fired and the suspects fleeing the area.

According to the official press release from the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Division of the State Police in regard to the incident; “On Sunday, March 28, 2021, at approximately 0410 hours, Troop F Troopers were called to 70 Goose Hill in Chester for 2 males attempting to break into cars. The caller reported that the males attempted to rob him, at gun point, before running off. The two males were described as black males approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, wearing masks and dark clothing. Video Surveillance later revealed that one of the males shot 2 rounds towards the victim as he attempted to flee inside his house. If anyone has any information related to the case please contact Troop F in Westbrook. No injuries were reported.”

According to Connecticut State Police Sergeant Christine Jeltema of Troop F, the incident is currently under investigation as are the similar incidents that occurred on the same date in the towns of Tylerville and Westbrook, and it has not been determined if the same group of people were involved.

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“This is an ongoing investigation that is currently in its infancy stage,” said Jeltema. “We are asking everyone to keep their cars and their homes locked at all times. Even if your car is in your garage, lock the doors and bring the keys inside.”

She added, “We are also asking residents to notify police if they see anything suspicious and to give us any footage captured on security cameras because that is helpful to us.”

Jeltema warned not to approach unknown individuals on your property or around your vehicles because they are dangerous. Instead, she is urging residents to get inside, to safe place and call 9-1-1 immediately.

The town of Essex Resident Trooper First Class Mark Roberts shared the town of Chester’s post about the incident on Essex Facebook page and added, “As a reminder, please keep your car doors locked, remove your keys and fobs, and keep your valuables (especially firearms) out of the vehicle overnight. Do not confront anyone in your driveway, instead call 9-1-1 and report them to the police. If your vehicle was rummaged through overnight, do not clean it up; instead, report it to police immediately. Together, we can keep our community safe.”