Hartford Teens Arrested After Stolen Car Crashes On Route 15: Wallingford Police

WALLINGFORD, CT — Three Hartford teens in a stolen motor vehicle were arrested after the driver led police on a pursuit through Wallingford before crashing into a guardrail while trying to exit Route 15 North in Meriden. The driver ran after the crash but was eventually apprehended, according to police. A black pellet gun that looked like a real gun was found in the car, according to police.

The incident unfolded just past midnight on July 31 when Wallingford patrol officers noticed a vehicle traveling with no lights on heading the wrong way on a one-way street, according to Lt. John Ventura. Police initiated a motor vehicle stop in the area of North Main Street and Academy Street.

The vehicle, which was confirmed to have been stolen out of Rocky Hill, stopped briefly but then took off at a high rate of speed, according to Ventura.

“The vehicle led Wallingford Patrol Units on a pursuit throughout town eventually ending up on Route 15 Northbound,” Ventura said in a press release. “As the vehicle approached the Miller Avenue exit in Meriden, the vehicle lost control and crashed into the guardrail. The driver of the vehicle ran but was eventually apprehended. There were two other occupants that remained with the vehicle and complied with officers. Located in the rear passenger compartment of the vehicle was a black pellet gun that was realistic in all characteristics with a real handgun.”

A 15-year-old from Hartford was charged with weapons in a vehicle, third-degree larceny by possession, engaging in pursuit, reckless driving, interfering with an officer and other motor vehicle infractions.

A 17-year-old from Hartford was charged with third-degree larceny by possession and weapons in a vehicle.

Gregory Pena, 18, of Hartford, was charged with third-degree larceny by possession and weapons in a vehicle.

The two juveniles, whose names weren’t released because of their age, were issued a court date of Aug. 9 in Hartford Juvenile Court. They were released to the custody of their parents.

Pena was issued a court date of Aug. 14 in Meriden Superior Court and released on a $25,000 non-surety bond.

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