2 Juvenile Arrested After Breaking Into Cars, Resident Chased After Suspect: East Haven Police

EAST HAVEN, CT — Two New Haven juveniles were charged with breaking into vehicles in East Haven, said Police Lt. Joseph M. Murgo. A homeowner chased after one of the suspect's, police said. Police also say they found a suspect in possession of a pistol magazine but police didn't find a gun.

On August 11, officers were dispatched to the area of Columbus Avenue for a report of suspicious activity in the area, police said.

Upon officer’s arrival, it was determined that a resident who lived on Main Street observed an individual breaking into his vehicle, police said. The resident chased the male suspect to Columbus Avenue where he was last seen entering rear yards, police said.

Officers established a perimeter around the area and were able to make an apprehension of (2) male suspects, police said. Both suspects were juveniles and both were residents of New Haven, police said. Officers believe a third suspect got away, police said.

One of the juveniles was in possession of a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol magazine, police said. Officers were unable to locate a firearm. A Milford Police K-9 responded to the area to assist with trying to locate a firearm in the wooded area but was unsuccessful, police said.

In addition to the pistol magazine, the suspects were found to be in possession of several debit cards, sneakers, cell phones, and other miscellaneous items, police said.

Through the investigation, it was determined that both juveniles and approximately (7) other individuals rented a room at the nearby Quality Inn before going on their crime spree in the surrounding neighborhoods, police said.

Both juvenile suspects were charged with the following:

· Burglary in the Third Degree

· Larceny in the Sixth Degree

The juvenile suspect in possession of the .40 caliber pistol magazine was charged additionally with:

· Criminal Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition/ Defense Weapon

· Credit Card Theft

“We encourage citizens to be vigilant, but we also caution them with regards to approaching and chasing criminals during the commission of a crime. Rather than approaching criminal suspects, we suggest they maintain a safe distance and provide the best description and direction of travel as possible. No crime is worth jeopardizing your personal safety for. We are also asking residents in the area to come forward if they have discovered that one of their firearms may have been stolen during this incident. They can contact the PD at 203-468-3820," Murgo said in a news release.