5 Car Thieves Allegedly Caught in the Act by Branford Police

The following is a press release from the Branford Police Department

Officer Marc Andrew interrupted four men and a juvenile from New Haven stealing cars and auto accessories in a dimly lit parking lot on North Main Street just after 1:00 a.m. on Jan. 31. As Officer Andrew stopped his patrol car to investigate, the thieves jumped into two (2) stolen cars and fled the area, one of the vehicles backing into Andrew’s patrol car.

Officer Andrew radioed other officers posted on East Main Street as both of the stolen vehicles passed the officers at a high rate of speed. A short distance later, both vehicles lost control as they attempted to enter I-95 eastbound, crashing into the wooded area adjacent to the highway.

Sergeants Ramey and Watrous and Officers Herten, Andrew, Sobieraj, Keyes and Rubano were able to immediately apprehend Emilio Davila (DOB 12/17/1994) of Dewitt St.; Jose Natal (DOB 4/1/1993) of Morris St.; Gerald Dejesus-Ortiz of Dewitt St. and a 15-year-old juvenile, all from New Haven. The fifth suspect, from New Haven, Jose Sanchez (DOB 9/28/1994) of Judsen St. fled the area on foot, however was apprehended by the department’s K-9, Neecko and his handler, Officer Dave Atkinson a short time later.

As a result of the investigation, police recovered two stolen cars at the accident site, 1 stolen car at the original location on North Main Street left by the thieves and numerous amounts of auto accessories and personal items stolen from vehicles, not yet reported, throughout the Short Beach, Branford Hills and Harbor Street area of town.

Chief Kevin Halloran said the apprehension of the thieves and the recovery of the stolen items are rooted in good police work. “I am very proud of the work that our officers do on a daily basis. This is just another example of how well trained and professional the officers are and how they continue to work together cohesively to apprehend criminals.”

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