Running Vehicle Stolen In Ridgefield

RIDGEFIELD, CT — A 2016 BMW X5 was stolen while its owner was inside a Danbury Road business Dec. 30, according to police.

The victim saw a man in his 20's drive away in the vehicle while he left it unattended with the keys in the ignition around 8:45 pm. An officer spotted the vehicle a short time later on Danbury Road near Tanton Hill Road and attempted to make a traffic stop.

The suspect fled at a high rate of speed and the pursuit was terminated for safety reasons. The BMW was later found abandoned in Waterbury.

An officer was dispatched to the Gulf station on Danbury road around 9:15 p.m. after a 2013 Ford Edge was left unattended for an extended period of time, police said. The vehicle was previously reported stolen from Newington.

"We believe that this vehicle was left by the individual who stole the BMW at 46 Danbury Road," said Captain Jeff Kreitz, police spokesman.

More from police:

Throughout this past year vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles have been a widespread problem throughout the state. We would like to remind everyone to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables to include the keys.

Furthermore please do not leave your vehicle running and unattended. In this last incident the vehicle operator took the smart key from the vehicle however the thief was still able to drive the car. Remember to be
vigilant and report all suspicious activity.

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