Meriden Teen Arrested In Stolen Car, 'Ghost' Gun Seizure In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Two juveniles were arrested by Fairfield police Thursday on larceny, weapons and narcotics charges after they led officers on a five-mile chase from Fairfield into Bridgeport in a stolen vehicle, according to Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras.

Officers from Fairfield, state police and Bridgeport were involved in what turned out to be a low-speed pursuit, because authorities used spiked strips twice on the roadway to blow out the tires of the vehicle.

Fairfield police said the vehicle, a Honda Civic, recently had been reported stolen out of New Haven during a "violent carjacking."

The pursuit of the two juveniles began at about 5:25 p.m. when Fairfield police officer was patrolling in an unmarked police vehicle when the officer observed a black Honda Civic traveling south on Black Rock Turnpike. The officer checked the vehicle's registration and discovered the recent report about it being stolen.

"Another officer, in a marked Fairfield Police vehicle, responded to the area and activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop at the intersection of Black Rock Turnpike and Rakoczy Avenue," police said in a statement. "The driver allegedly refused to stop and fled from officers on Black Rock Turnpike."

At that point near Castle Avenue, officers used the spiked strips, which blew out three of the vehicle's tires, but it kept going.

"The vehicle then began driving in the wrong direction on the Kings Highway East Traffic Circle before subsequently entering the on-ramp for I-95, traveling northbound," Fairfield police said.

"Fairfield Police, with the assistance of Connecticut State Police, pursued the vehicle on I-95 North before the vehicle exited in Bridgeport on Seaview Avenue. Bridgeport Police also assisted in the pursuit. The pursuit remained at a low rate of speed due to the vehicle's punctured tires."

Police again used spike strips, this time on Seaview Avenue in Bridgeport, which the vehicle drove over before once again entering the on-ramp onto I-95, traveling northbound. At this time, the driver lost control of the vehicle in the grass median, police said.

The 17-year-old driver, from Hamden, and the 15-year-old passenger, from Meriden, then jumped out of the vehicle and ran across the thruway before they were caught.

No injuries were reported during the entire incident, police said.

While searching the vehicle, officers seized two 9mm semi-automatic handguns along with a high capacity (30 round) magazine. The guns did not have a serial number and are believed to be what is referred to as "ghost" guns.

A ghost gun is a firearm where parts of a gun are purchased separately and assembled together, police said, but the guns lack serial numbers and cannot be traced.

Additionally, police also seized three bags containing a "white, loose rock-like substance that is believed to be crack cocaine and 35 individually packaged white wax folds containing a white powdery substance believed to be heroin."

The 15-year-old from Meriden was arrested and charged with:

• Larceny in the First Degree
• Illegal Transfer of a Stolen Pistol or Revolver
• Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit
• Illegal Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle
• Possession with Intent to Distribute more than an Ounce of Heroin or Methamphetamines
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
• Resisting Arrest

The 17-year-old from Hamden was charged with:

• Larceny in the First Degree
• Possession with Intent to Distribute more than an Ounce of Heroin or Methamphetamines
• Illegal Transfer/Purchase of a Stolen Pistol or Revolver
• Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit
• Illegal Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
• Criminal Possession of a High Capacity Magazine
• Engaging Police in a Pursuit
• Reckless Driving
• Resisting Arrest

Both were transported to the Bridgeport Juvenile Detention Center pending their arraignments at Bridgeport Superior Court. The two also had "Felony Take Into Custody" orders issued by the Connecticut Superior Court "following numerous allegations of violent crimes, and after they allegedly escaped from juvenile detention," police said.

"I would like to commend all Fairfield Police Officers involved and thank the Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police for their assistance in apprehending these two suspects, resulting in the seizure of dangerous weapons and substances," Kalamaras said. "Due to the diligent work of all officers involved, we were able to successfully apprehend the suspects without further harm to the community."

Fairfield police remind people that the crimes described are allegations, and all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.