Suspect In Overnight Newtown Search Accused Of Assaulting Police K9

NEWTOWN, CT — Police identified a New York man Tuesday as the suspect arrested after an overnight multi-agency search in Newtown and accused him of assaulting a police K9 during the arrest.

Newtown police identified the suspect as Reynaldo Colon, 21, of New York, New York. Police said Colon is suspected of stealing one vehicle in Sharon and another in Monroe, New York, over the past two days.

According to police, Colon was charged with:

• Second-degree criminal trespass
• Assault on public safety personnel
• Interfering with an officer
• Motor vehicle larceny
• Cruelty to animals

The investigation began Monday evening after Newtown police responded to a Jeremiah Road home for a report of a man looking through the windows of the residence, according to a news release.

Police said the man ran into nearby woods as officers arrived.

Officers searched through the night with assistance from the department’s drone unit and several K9 teams from surrounding agencies, including Connecticut State Police and Bethel police, authorities said.

During the search, police located a stolen vehicle parked nearby and worked with New York State Police to identify a possible suspect, according to the release.

Around 6:27 a.m. Tuesday, another resident reported seeing Colon walking near Jeremiah Road, police said. Officers again responded to the area with assistance from K9 units from Connecticut State Police, Monroe police, Brookfield police and New Milford police.

Police said Colon was taken into custody around 8 a.m. and transported to Danbury Hospital.

Throughout the search, police warned residents about a heavy police presence in areas including Fawnwood Road, Rose Lane, Bennetts Bridge Road, Mountain Manor Road and Fox Hollow Lane.

“This investigation and arrest were a significant coordinated effort,” police said in the release, thanking residents for providing tips and information during the search.