Police ID Naugatuck Man Struck By Car After Interrupting Break-In

NAUGATUCK, CT — Police have identified a Naugatuck man who was struck by a car early Tuesday morning after confronting a suspect attempting to burglarize his vehicle.

In a news release, police said Joel "Brandon" Guth, 42, left his Alma Street home around 4:30 a.m. to confront suspect(s) attempting to burglarize his vehicle.

While doing so, Guth was intentionally struck by a black vehicle, which fled the scene and left Guth in the road with life-threatening injuries, police said.

Naugatuck police and EMS officers performed emergency care to Guth before taking him to Waterbury Hospital, where he remains in critical condition, police said.

According to police, a vehicle that is believed to be related to this incident has been seized and is being investigated by officers.

Police also noted the borough was struck by a rash of car break-ins around the time of this confrontation.

"Naugatuck police detectives continue to work around the clock following up on leads which we continue to receive," police said in a news release. "

Police also extended their sympathy to Guth's family, who "have been dealing with this ordeal due to the actions of these criminals."

"Brandon was not just as a member of the community," police said, "but also a hard-working son and loving brother."

Anyone with footage of car break-ins or any other information about this incident is asked to contact police at 203-729-5221 or via the department's confidential tip line at 203-720-1010.

"At this point, there is a strong likelihood that someone has direct knowledge of who is responsible for this criminal act," police said. "To those individuals, we appeal to your good nature to come forward with information on who is responsible for this incident. To those who are responsible for this crime, we urge you to come forward and accept responsibility for your actions."