3 Juveniles Accused Of Trying To Steal Car At Trumbull Mall: Police

TRUMBULL, CT — Three juveniles accused of breaking into and trying to steal a car at the Trumbull Mall were arrested Sunday, according to police.

In a news release, Police Lt. Brian Weir said officers received a report around 6:30 p.m. that four people wearing black hoodies and masks had just stolen a purse and Air Jordan shoes from a Hyundai Elantra they had broken into.

Responding officers quickly located and detained a 13-year-old and a 12-year-old suspect, both Bridgeport residents, in the mall parking lot, however they physically resisted officers' efforts to arrest them, Weir said.

According to Weir, a witness spotted a juvenile running from the Hyundai carrying the sneakers and several other items that were stolen from the car. As the suspects were fleeing with the items, the owner approached the vehicle and noticed its rear window was broken.

The owner also discovered her purse and Air Jordan shoes had been stolen and the vehicle’s steering column had been ripped out, prompting her to call the police, Weir said.

The two juveniles were positively identified as the thieves by officers and taken to police headquarters, Weir said. They were criminally processed and released to their guardians.

As officers released the 13-year-old to his guardian, officers noticed another juvenile wearing an ankle monitor with him.

According to Weir, police determined the juvenile tried to alter his appearance by changing his clothes before coming to the police department to pick up his friends, however officers quickly realized this third juvenile was the suspect that smashed the Hyundai's window, attempted to steal the car and stole the items from inside the vehicle before running away.

The third juvenile was arrested and identified as a 13-year-old Bridgeport resident. According to Weir, several of the stolen items were recovered, however the shoes are still missing and a fourth suspect is still at large.

One of the thirteen 13-year-olds and the 12-year-old were each charged with interfering with police, conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny. They were released to the custody of their relatives on a promise to appear in juvenile court later this month, Weir said.

Weir also noted the 12-year-old is currently on probation related to car theft charges.

The second 13-year-old was charged with interfering with police, criminal attempt larceny of a motor vehicle, first-degree criminal mischief and third-degree larceny. He was released to the
custody of a parent on a promise to appear in juvenile court later this month, Weir said.