Police Capture Fleeing Georgia Murder Suspect In Pawcatuck

STONINGTON, CT—Stonington and Groton Town police, including K9 teams, helped Connecticut State Police capture a suspect who took off into the woods after a car stop on I-95 Sunday evening, according to Capt. Todd Olson.

The man is Robert Donell Annunziata, 33, wanted on a felony warrant for homicide in Atlanta, Georgia.

Police from Troop E had pulled over a car traveling at a high rate of speed on I-95 south in the town of Stonington. Olson said Annunziata, a passenger in the car, fled from state police and "ran across the southbound lane only once to get to the center median and get away from the officers." After making his way across the highway, he took off into the woods.

Olson said a Stonington officer responded to help state cops apprehend Annunziata, who Olson said crossed onto the northbound lane of the interstate toward North Anguilla Road.

With highway traffic already heavy, the pursuit slowed it even more. Olson confirmed that not only did Stonington respond, but Town of Groton Police also assisted in addition to K9 teams.

With Stonington, Groton and Ledyard police as well as Troopers out of Troop D-Danielson and Troop F-Westbrook, a perimeter was established. Troop D K9 Luka and his handler were dispatched to the scene.

Meanwhile, police began getting reports from the Pawcatuck Little League complex that Annunziata was spotted in the woods. The Day reported that three games were being played at the time and were stopped as police searched for the man.

Annunziata was taken into custody by K9 Luka just before 7 p.m. He was bitten by the K9, Olson confirmed. Annunziata was transported to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London to be treated for the dog bite injury.

Annunziata was held on local charges for interfering, and resisting arrest: as well as being held as a fugitive from justice based on the homicide warrant from Georgia.

Olson said the search for Annunziata was the first time the department used a new radio system that connects Stonington, Groton and state police.

"Our new radio system worked flawlessly and enabled true inter-operability during our setting up of perimeters," he said.

On the Troop E Facebook page, toppers noted that a suspect can run. And a suspcte can hide. But not for long.

"This just goes to show you that you might be able to run but you’ll never find a good enough hiding place from our State Police K-9s," Troopers wrote "Good job K9 Luka."

Annunziata's bond is set at $500,000 and he is due in court in New London on Monday.