3 Juveniles Who Fled From Stolen Car Into Naugatuck River Arrested: PD

NAUGATUCK, CT — Three juveniles accused of fleeing from a stolen vehicle into the Naugatuck River to avoid capture were arrested late Tuesday night, according to police.

In a news release, police said officers received a report of a stolen vehicle in the area of South Main and Maple streets around 10:15 p.m.

According to police, officers found the disabled vehicle a short distance away on Route 8 southbound, adjacent to the Naugatuck River, and determined the driver and passengers fled into the river to avoid police.

Naugatuck police K9 "Tommy" and his handler were ultimately able to track down all three juveniles, two 17-year-olds and one 14-year-old, who were arrested and identified, police said.

During the arrest, one of the juveniles assaulted the K9 officer, resulting in minor injuries to the animal, according to police.

Officers also recovered and seized two facsimile firearms. According to police, "no amount of training would allow an officer to be able to differentiate between these facsimile firearms and a working firearm."

Each juvenile was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle and interfering with an officer. One of the juveniles was also charged with illegal injury to a peace officer animal.

Two of the juveniles were released to their parents and the other was transferred to a Bridgeport detention center, according to police.