Man Wanted On Felony Charges Crashes Stolen Car In Groton: Police

GROTON, CT — A man wanted for felonies in New Hampshire was arrested after crashing a stolen car in Groton, according to police.

Groton Emergency Dispatch received several 911 calls reporting a motor vehicle accident at Esker Point Beach on Groton Long Point Road at 7:12 a.m.

Groton Town police responded and found a 2024 Kia Soul on its side at the edge of the beach. The Kia was empty, but witnesses told police a man fled on foot on Marsh Road heading toward Noble Avenue.

Police found the Kia was reported stolen out of Salem, New Hampshire, and the suspect was Christopher Doleo, 37, of Lowell, Massachusetts. Police said that Doleo "has an extensive, violent criminal history out of several states."

Police then conducted a search. Witnesses said the man was seen near a home on Noble Avenue.

Police saw the man enter the home. Police found found Doleo in a crawlspace under the home where he was taken into custody.

Doleo was also wanted by the Salem Police Department in New Hampshire for two felony charges for theft and one misdemeanor charge for contempt of court.

The SUV crash occurred as the Kia was speeding on Groton Long Point Road and failed to navigate the curve in the area of Marsh Road before striking a guardrail, a sign, and several trees, then landing on it side, according to police.

Doleo was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries in the accident. He was then returned to Groton Police Headquarters and held on $200,000 cash or surety bond.

He was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, interfering with a police officer, third-degree burglary, reckless driving, evading responsibility - property damage, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and extradition arrest, fugitive from justice.

Anyone with information on the case can contact the Groton Town Police Department at (860) 441-6712.