Derby Cops Catch 3 Teens After They Try To Flee In Stolen SUV

DERBY, CT — Three Derby teenagers were apprehended by police Monday in connection with a stolen SUV and shooting investigation, according to Derby police. A fourth suspect remains at-large.

The three, who are 15, 17 and 18 years old, suffered various injuries related to their attempts to elude police and were treated in area hospitals.

Charges have not yet been filed, police wrote on Facebook, but arrests are pending via warrants.

The incident began at about 4:40 p.m. after Derby police received reports of gunshots in the area of Hawkins and Seventh streets.

"Witnesses and video surveillance depicted a white Kia SUV fleeing the scene," police said. "Earlier that morning, Derby Police identified a 2011 white Kia SUV that was reported stolen from Shelton. At that time, the Kia was parked alongside a second vehicle. When police arrived to investigate (in the morning), both the Kia and second vehicle fled the area. A short pursuit ensued with the second vehicle, which was terminated."

While detectives were investigating the shooting, the stolen Kia SUV returned to the area, and . Derby Police chased it onto Route 8 North.

"The pursuit ended after the Kia crashed on the Route 8 exit 22 off-ramp," police said. "[Three] males immediately fled the crash on foot while [one] passenger remained inside asking for help as the vehicle’s engine had caught fire. A Derby Police officer removed the suspect from the passenger seat. He was identified as a 17-year-old juvenile from Derby."

As police removed the teen from the vehicle, one of the fleeing suspects was struck by an unrelated vehicle traveling on nearby Wakeley Street. That suspect was immediately apprehended by an Oxford police officer who was assisting. This suspect was identified as an 18-year-old from Derby, who was treated at Waterbury Hospital for minor injuries.

In addition to Oxford police, Seymour police officers and Connecticut State Police K-9s also were called in to assist with the search for the other two suspects.

They were not found, but at 10 p.m. a 15-year-old from Derby was treated in the emergency room at the Griffin Hospital, who police determined was one of the suspects from the stolen car crash by his appearance and clothing.

Derby police are still trying to determine the identity of the fourth suspect. Additionally, the department continues to investigate the initial shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Derby Police Department at 203-735-7811 Ext. 0. All calls can remain confidential.