Man Who Fled Naugatuck Car Accident With Dog Found By Police

NAUGATUCK, CT — A man who fled a car accident in Naugatuck with his mother's dog has been located and taken into custody by police, according to authorities.

Officers on Friday were called to a two-car accident near Prospect and Union streets, Naugatuck police said in a news release. When officers arrived, they discovered the occupants of one car had fled the scene.

Police found a child's car seat in the back of the unoccupied Toyota Camry, prompting authorities to launch a search after witnesses said the driver removed something from the backseat before fleeing.

During the search, the driver of the Camry was identified as 26-year-old Austin Cyr, who police say had an active warrant for his arrest. Authorities then brought in K-9 Tommy with the Naugatuck police department to help in the search for Cyr.

Police also learned during the search that Cyr had taken his mother's dog from the backseat of the Camry. The dog was found tied to a fence in the area near the crash, while Cyr was eventually located behind a residence on Prospect Street, police said. Officers found him hidden inside a plastic garbage bin covered with a tarp.

Police took Cyr into custody without incident, authorities said. He was charged with evading responsibility resulting in injury and/or property damage and following too closely, according to police.