Car Stolen With Service Dog Inside, 2 People Arrested: Stamford PD

STAMFORD, CT — Police said two people were arrested in Stamford after they stole a car with a service dog still inside and later engaged officers in a brief foot pursuit on Nov. 25. A Stamford police officer suffered minor injuries.

Isiah Armstead, 20, of Stamford, was charged with second-degree larceny; conspiracy at second-degree larceny; operating a motor vehicle without a license; interfering with police; possession of a facsimile firearm; and cruelty to animals, according to a news release from the Stamford Police Department.

Paris Wade, 18, also of Stamford, was charged with second-degree larceny; conspiracy at second-degree larceny; and interfering with police, the SPD said.

On Nov. 25 at approximately 4:50 p.m., patrol division officers responded to a report of a stolen car on the city's West Side.

The car, which was left running, was stolen from Richmond Hill Avenue, police said, noting they discovered a small service dog was still inside.

At approximately 6:36 p.m., police officer Portente spotted the car on East Main Street on the East Side, police said. The car was followed to the downtown area where it was stopped by police.

The driver, later identified as Armstead, and the passenger, Wade, fled on foot in different directions, police said.

Police chased Armstead, who was carrying the service dog, north on Atlantic Street across a busy intersection onto Bedford Street, police said.

During the pursuit, Portente became tangled in the dog's leash which was trailing behind on the ground, and he fell and hit his head on the sidewalk, police said.

Officers continued to chase Armstead, who tossed what appeared to be a gun, police said.

Portente was able to recover and continued to chase Armstead to the area of Bedford Street and Spring Street where he was ultimately arrested with the help of other officers, police said.

Police said the service dog was captured by a good Samaritan during the incident and turned over to on-scene officers. The dog was later reunited with its owner.

Portente was taken to Stamford Hospital and treated for minor injuries before being released.

Officers located the gun, which was a metal pellet gun, police said. A short time later, Wade was apprehended by officers on Prospect Street.

"This incident was very dangerous in many regards. At the time of the investigation, there was a heavy vehicle and pedestrian presence downtown while officers were pursuing the suspects on foot," police said in a news release. "The male suspect was carrying a realistic-looking pellet gun while being chased after stealing a vehicle occupied by the owner’s service dog. Investigating officers should be commended for their restraint, professionalism, and apprehension."

Armstead was held on a $25,000 bond, while Wade was held on a $2,500 bond. Both are scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 8.