Teens Arrested After Stealing From Vehicles, Fleeing In Stolen Car: Trumbull PD

TRUMBULL, CT — Three Bridgeport teens accused of taking items from vehicles parked in Trumbull were arrested early Saturday morning after fleeing from officers in a stolen car, according to police.

In a news release, Police Lt. Brian Weir said officers received multiple reports around 6 a.m. of juveniles wearing masks and driving a Blue Mazda CX-5 breaking into vehicles in neighborhoods in the upper Main Street area of town.

Officers quickly located the vehicle on Tanglewood Road, where the Mazda drove off the road to elude and flee from police, Weir said.

At one point, the driver of the Mazda made an evasive maneuver over the double yellow line and struck a responding police vehicle as it continued its escape, however no injuries were reported from the impact, according to Weir.

The Mazda eventually struck a fire hydrant on Jamestown Road, causing the vehicle to stop, after which a 17-year-old passenger ran from the vehicle and was eventually chased down by police, Weir said.

The Mazda then continued to drive away from officers traveling south on Main Street, where it eventually became disabled on Birdsall Avenue. The 15-year-old driver then got out of the car and ran from officers but was quickly arrested nearby, according to Weir.

The remaining 15-year-old stayed inside the Mazda and was arrested by police. He was found to have a knife in his possession, which was later confirmed to have been stolen from one of the vehicles the teens entered nearby, Weir said.

A number of other items stolen from numerous other vehicles were also recovered by officers, and the Mazda was later confirmed to have been reported stolen from Bridgeport, according to Weir.

All three teens were issued a juvenile summons, according to Weir. The two passengers were each charged with two counts of third-degree burglary, third-degree criminal attempt burglary, third-degree conspiracy burglary and first-degree larceny.

The 15-year-old driver was charged with engaging police in pursuit, interfering with police, reckless driving, evading responsibility, operation without a license, two counts of third-degree burglary, third-degree criminal attempt burglary, third-degree conspiracy burglary and first-degree larceny.

All three teens were later released to the custody of their parents on a promise to appear in juvenile court this month, according to Weir.

"With the continuous trend of numerous vehicle breaks-ins and cars being stolen during overnight hours, police had focused and combined their efforts following a drastic increase of these thefts during the past week leading to the apprehension of this group of suspects," Weir said in a news release. "Once again, through the combined efforts of observant citizens and the police, more criminals have been apprehended and charged."

Trumbull police also remind all residents of the continued thefts from unlocked motor vehicles in town and stolen vehicle complaints where keys are left inside. They also stress the importance of always locking vehicles, removing all packages and valuables from vehicles and never leaving keys inside vehicles.

"Residents are asked to use features that are readily available on their security systems to inform them of motion on their property, then notify the local police as soon as security system motion alerts are received," Weir said. "Always immediately report any suspicious persons or activity to the police and dial 911 for all emergencies."