Police Investigating Car Thefts In Greenwich Area

GREENWICH, CT — Two men who fled from police earlier this week were later arrested across the border in Rye, N.Y., and now the Greenwich Police Department is looking into vehicle thefts in the area.

Muhammad Abdul Malik, 19, and Yadiel Baez, 20, were charged by Rye police with obstructing governmental administration, Greenwich police said in a social media post Thursday afternoon.

Their arrests stem from an incident on March 11 in which Greenwich officers and detectives became aware that a Nissan, known to be driven by Malik, was traveling in the Belle Haven neighborhood, police said.

"The Nissan was seen slowing down and stopping at driveways, which matches behaviors of car thieves that have been operating in Greenwich and surrounding area," police said.

When officers tried to make a stop, the vehicle fled onto the Field Point Road I-95 southbound on-ramp, police said, adding that officers successfully deployed tire deflation devices.

"Despite this, the vehicle continued southbound at a high rate of speed. As per State of Connecticut Pursuit Policy the vehicle was not pursued," police said.

The vehicle was later found abandoned in Rye with three flat tires. Rye police officers detained two men, later identified as Malik and Baez, who were seen fleeing the scene, police said.

"This investigation is ongoing by the Greenwich Police Department. Authorities continue to explore their connection to additional vehicle thefts and related crimes in the region," police said. "The Greenwich Police Department reminds residents to lock their vehicles and remain vigilant and to immediately contact GPD if they see suspicious activity."