IDs Released of 2 Men Killed After Chase Involving Stolen Car Crashes Into New Haven Synagogue: UPDATE

NEW HAVEN, CT — State Police have identified the two suspected carjackers who were killed after their stolen vehicle crashed into a synagogue in New Haven early Monday after trying to elude local police, according to State Police.

State Police say the driver of the stolen vehicle, Tommy Clayton Brown, 23, of Batter Terrace in New Haven and passenger, Andrew Bolden-Velez, 20, Park Street in West Haven were killed in the crash.

The suspected carjackers vehicle crashed into the southern side of Congregation Beth El Keser Synagogue, located at 85 Harrison Street, State Police said. No one was inside the synagogue at the time of the collision.

Brown and Velez are accused of carjacking a victim in the area of Fitch and Blake streets just after midnight, according to a news release.

Police tried to initiate a traffic stop to apprehend the suspects but they two men fled and ended up crashing into the synagogue, police said.

If anyone has any information they are urged to contact Trooper First Class Mark Pereira at 860.848.6579 or mark.pereira@ct.gov.

NEW HAVEN, CT — Two suspected carjackers died after their vehicle crashed into a synagogue in New Haven just after midnight Monday, police said.

Police said at 12:15 a.m. New Haven Police responded to the area of Fitch and Blake Streets regarding a reported car-jacking. The victim told officers he was approached by two men – one of whom indicated he was in possession of a handgun, police said.

The gunman reportedly simulated it beneath his clothing, police said. The victim handed over his wallet and cell phone. The carjackers took the victim’s 2005 Toyota Highlander and fled, police said. The victim was not injured.

At 1:35 a.m. a New Haven Patrol Officer spotted the stolen car at Whalley Avenue at Winthrop Avenue, police said. The officer followed the car until back-up arrived – then tried initiating a stop, police said. The driver fled from police. Minutes later, officers found the stolen car. It had crashed into the Congregation Beth El Keser Synagogue, located at 85 Harrison Street, police said.

The driver and second occupant in the vehicle – believed to be the car-jackers, died in the crash, police said. Both are adult males.

This investigation has been turned over to the Connecticut State Police and State’s Attorney’s Office. Any further information regarding their findings – including the identities of the vehicle’s occupants, will be released when it becomes prudent to do so, police said.