3 In Stolen Car Arrested, Found With Guns At Walmart: West Haven PD

WEST HAVEN, CT — Two teens and an 18-year-old were arrested Sunday afternoon at Walmart after trying to flee from police in a stolen vehicle that had loaded guns inside, according to police.

At around 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27, police said an off-duty West Haven police officer saw a Hyundai traveling into West Haven that had three occupants inside who were all wearing ski masks.

The off-duty officer followed the Hyundai and radioed to other officers in the area because it was heading toward Walmart, according to police. The license plate was found to have been misused, police said.

The Hyundai made its way into the Walmart parking lot and backed into a parking spot at the back of the lot, according to police.

Arriving officers found the Hyundai, according to police.

“As officers pulled up, the operator of the Hyundai tried to escape and rammed the police cruiser,” police wrote in a post on Facebook. “The operator tried to ram the police car a second time but the officer drove into the Hyundai and blocked him from escaping and causing any injuries to shoppers that were in the parking lot.

“At that time, the operator, who is a juvenile got out and ran from the police. The passenger in the front seat, also a juvenile got out and ran, and the third individual, who was in the back seat got out and ran too.”

Police said a foot pursuit ensued and while the juvenile driver was being chased, he began holding his waistband as he ran.

“Once officers caught up to the operator, he became resistant and combative towards officers who were attempting to get him into handcuffs,” police wrote. “During the scuffle with the operator, a loaded, 5 round revolver fell out of his pants onto the ground. He was then taken into custody.”

The backseat passenger was apprehended after a brief chase, according to police. He was identified as 18-year-old Annand Edward Grady of Middletown, according to police.

Police said the second juvenile, who was the front seat passenger, was found inside Walmart with the assistance of good Samaritans and a K-9 track.

The Hyundai was determined to have been stolen out of Middletown, according to police.

Police found two more guns inside the Hyundai. One was a Ruger .40 with an extended magazine that had 21 rounds inside, and the other was a fully loaded Springfield Armory 9mm with 10 rounds, according to police.

The two juveniles and the 18-year-old were charged accordingly and have court dates set, police said.

“These West Haven Police officers prevented what could have been a serious crime,” police wrote. “With the holiday season approaching, more and more people will be out shopping. The WHPD asks that you be aware of your surroundings and Please leave large bags and purses at home. Try not to use your cell phones while walking to your vehicle because this is what these criminals target.

“Stay safe this holiday season.”