Enfield K-9 Tracks Stolen-Car Suspect Through Swamp

ENFIELD, CT — Police say a stolen vehicle driven at speeds exceeding 100 mph led to a foot chase through swampland Sunday before Enfield K-9 Odin located the suspect.

Enfield officers learned Aug. 2 that a stolen vehicle had entered town and began monitoring it, according to the Enfield Police Department K-9 Unit.

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Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled. Police said they discontinued the pursuit under state policy. Although officers were no longer pursuing the vehicle, it was observed traveling at more than 100 mph and in an "extremely reckless manner," police said.

Officers later deployed a tire-deflation device that disabled the vehicle, police said. The driver then fled on foot.

K-9 Odin tracked the suspect through dense vegetation, swampland and across a pond before apprehending him, police said. Connecticut State Police Troop C K-9 personnel assisted in establishing a perimeter.

Police identified the suspect as Mark Alicea, 39. He was charged with motor vehicle larceny, third-degree criminal mischief, first-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with a police investigation, engaging police in a pursuit, reckless driving and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

Alicea was held on $200,000 cash/surety bond on the Enfield charges. Police said they also found he had an extraditable Worcester County warrant connected to an arson case. He was additionally charged as a fugitive from justice and held on a separate $800,000 cash/surety bond.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.