Branford Man Arrested for Stealing Vehicle: PD

MILFORD, CT — A Branford man was arrested after he stole a vehicle from a dealership on New Haven Avenue, according to police.

Police received the complaint about the stolen vehicle May 28. On May 29 around 3:50 a.m. officers responded to a burglary alarm at a New Haven Avenue gas station. The front door was forced open and a number of cigarette cartons were taken, police said.

Video surveillance captured images of the suspect and vehicle, which matched descriptions from the previous incident. The vehicle was described as a late 1990's green Subaru.

The stolen vehicle was then spotted around 4:50 a.m. at the I-95 northbound rest stop gas pumps. An officer attempted to block the vehicle in and apprehend the operator, but he drove off. A short police pursuit ensued, but was broken off due to safety concerns.

The suspect then turned the vehicle around and began heading southbound. After a short time the vehicle was found at the I-95 northbound rest stop. K-9 Diesel and Officer Degnan attempted to track the suspect after he wasn't found in the vehicle.

The suspect was located at the I-95 southbound rest stop and was apprehended after a brief foot chase. Cartons of cigarettes were found in the stolen vehicle, police said.

David Schoendorf, 42, of Branford was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree larceny, possession of a controlled substance, reckless operating and other crimes. He was held on a $250,000 bond.