Greenwich Car Theft Suspect Is Arrested

Greenwich Police had car thieves in their sights but they needed to obtain arrest warrants to charge the men they believe heisted two cars last month.

One of the suspects was arrested and charged this week when he showed up for a probation appointment at state Superior Court in Stamford.

According to police, it was about 2:35 a.m. when officers were on Cliff Avenue in the Byram neighborhood town on June 23 and two cars “were driving at a slow rate of speed and appeared to be traveling together.” When an officer approached the vehicles, the drivers took off, nearly striking a patrol car at a high rate of speed, according to a police report.

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There was a police chase that ended when the driver of one of the cars abandoned it at the dead end of Byram Shore Road. The driver-less car continued until it ran into a row of shrubs, according to the report.

The driver reportedly fled but was found a short distance away. Police were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Donald E. Smith, 19, of 26 High St., Norwalk. Police were able to obtain an arrest warrant and Smith was arrested on Wednesday when he showed up for an appointment with his probation officer, according to the report.

Smith was charged with third-degree larceny, reckless driving, engaging police in a pursuit, conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny, interfering with an officer, possession of burglar’s tools and possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana.

Smith was held in lieu of $25,000 bond and scheduled to appear Aug. 5 in state Superior Court in Stamford.

Police said they have obtained arrest warrants for two other suspects whom they expect to arrest soon.

Photo: Donald E. Smith. Credit: Greenwich Police.