Carjacking Suspect From Hartford Arrested After Crash On Route 15

HAMDEN, CT — A carjacking suspect from Hartford was arrested after crashing on Route 15 late Monday night and was found to be in the possession of drugs, a facsimile gun, a knife and brass knuckles, according to Connecticut State Police. The arrest unfolded as troopers stopped to check on a disabled motorist.

At about 11 p.m. on Dec. 4, troopers from Troop I-Bethany were patrolling Route 15 South when they stopped for a 2017 Audi Q5 that was disabled on the right shoulder between exits 59-60 in Hamden. The Audi had a left rear tire flat, according to police.

“Upon checking the vehicle registration, troopers learned that the license plate attached to the vehicle was not registered to the Audi, and a check of the vehicle’s VIN revealed that the Audi was reported stolen out of Hartford on Dec. 3, 2017,” police wrote in a press release. “Troopers further learned that the Audi was stolen after the owner/operator was held at gunpoint during a carjacking.”

Troopers attempted to detain the stolen Audi’s operator, however, he opened the driver’s side door then quickly closed it and sped away and engaged the troopers in pursuit, police said.

Troopers and Hamden Police officers caught up with the Audi and attempted to bring it to a stop by boxing it in between their cruisers. The stolen Audi operator, Rolando Morales-Rios, then intentionally struck a state police cruiser in an attempt to get away, according to police.

Morales-Rios then attempted to exit the highway at exit 59 in New Haven where he lost control of the Audi and struck the metal beam guardrail on the right shoulder.

“After crashing, Morales-Rios fled from the vehicle on foot and ran through the grass area near exit 59, then back up onto Route 15 where he was caught and taken into custody,” police said. “After taking Morales-Rios into custody, troopers found him in possession of a facsimile gun, knife and brass knuckles.”

Morales-Rios, 35, of Main Street in Hartford, was charged with first-degree larceny, reckless endangerment, criminal attempt at assault on a police officer, interfering with a police officer, possession of a facsimile firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper use of a registration plate, operating with a suspended license, engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving and two counts each of possession of a dangerous weapon and illegal possession of narcotics.

Morales-Rios was held overnight on $50,000 bond and was scheduled to appear at New Haven Superior Court on Dec. 5.

Photos via Connecticut State Police