Store Robbery, Car Chase In West Hartford Leads To 3 Arrests

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Three people face charges after they stole a cart of products from the West Hartford Home Depot and then led officers on a car chase into Hartford, police said.

Officers responded to an active shoplifting report at Home Depot at around 8:58 a.m. Tuesday. Police said the store's loss prevention employees tried to stop two men who were leaving the store with a cart of stolen merchandise, but the men continued walking toward a car parked in the lot.

During what officers described as "a brief struggle," one of the men pointed a black semi-automatic firearm at the loss prevention employees, police said.

Then, with the help of a woman who was sitting in a black Land Rover, the suspects put the items into the car and drove onto New Park Avenue. Officers tried to stop the Land Rover, but its driver led them on a pursuit, fleeing into Hartford on I-84 Eastbound.

Officers found the Land Rover in the area of Capen Street and Vine Street in Hartford, where they took its three occupants into custody without incident. No injuries or traffic accidents were reported.

During the pursuit, the brandished gun was thrown from the car onto I-84 eastbound at around exit 46. Officers found it and determined it was fake, police said.

Juan Surillo, 38, of Hartford was charged with first-degree robbery, fourth-degree larceny, fourth-degree conspiracy to commit larceny, carrying a dangerous weapon, weapons in a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence, first-degree threatening, second-degree breach of peace, interfering with an officer, engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving, driving a car with a suspended license, and driving a car without insurance.

He is currently being held on a $150,000 bond, police said.

Jorge Maldonado-Ramos, 34, whose last known address is in Hartford; and Elizabeth Kobus, 33, of Hartford were each charged with fourth-degree larceny and fourth-degree conspiracy to commit larceny.

Both were released on $10,000 non-surety bonds, police said.

West Hartford police are asking anyone with more information about the incident to contact them at 860-523-5203, the anonymous tip line at 860-570-8969 or the confidential email tip line, whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.