After a lull, car thieves have returned to Westport.
This morning, 3 of them met their match.
At 12:42 a.m., Westport Police responded to a homeowner near Compo Beach, who reported their vehicle was being burglarized. A doorbell camera was activated when a suspect entered a vehicle parked in the driveway. The caller said a dark colored vehicle was waiting in the street for the suspect.
Police arrived on the scene almost immediately, and set up a perimeter at Hillspoint Road, Greens Farms Road and Compo Road South.
An officer located a suspicious vehicle exiting Mimi Lane, and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop.
An officer stationed at Hillspoint Road and Greens Farms Road deployed a tire deflation device (“stop sticks”). The vehicle continued east on Greens Farms Road.
The vehicle became disabled from flat tires as it entered I-95 northbound at Exit 18. All 3 occupants then fled on foot.
Officers gave chase, and located 1 adult and 1 juvenile hiding in the nearby marsh.
A short time later, Metropolitan Transit Authority Police notified Westport Police that they had located the third suspect, a juvenile, in the area of Clayton Street, off Maple Lane.
All 3 were arrested, and charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, 6th degree; conspiracy to commit burglary, 3rd degree; and interfering with a police officer.
The adult — a 19-year-old from Naugatuck — was also charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and engaging in pursuit.
The 2 juveniles were released on summonses to their family. The adult was released after posting bond. He has an April 11 date at Stamford Superior Court.
Westport Police remind residents to lock their vehicles, and take valuables out of their locked cars. They encourage the use of alarm/surveillance systems and exterior lighting at night.
Westport Police thank the Connecticut State Police, Fairfield Police, Wilton Police K-9 Unit, and MTA Police, which assisted with perimeter security and the search for the suspects.