Accused Vernon Home Invader Snagged After Crashing Stolen Car

VERNON, CT — Vernon police on Sunday nabbed a home invader who crashed in a stolen car after trying to flee the scene of a burglary, a report indicates.

At 9:59 p.m. on Sunday Vernon officers responded to an active burglary at 30 Spring St., according to an arrest report.

While en route to the scene, officers encountered a Honda sedan matching the description of the suspect vehicle on West Main Street, but the car failed to stop for the cruiser, according to an arrest report.

The car continued to the end of West Main Street and then crossed through both lanes of West Street and smashed into a cable TV utility box, according to an arrest report.

A foot pursuit ensued and the driver, identified as 24-year-old Joequan Marquez, of Sandstone Drive, South Windsor, was chased down after a short time. The car was stolen out of Windsor, police said.

His charges include:

• Second-degree larceny
• Weapons in a motor vehicle
• Reckless driving
• Disobeying the signal of an officer
• Interfering
• Possessing burglar tools
• Theft of a marker plate
• Stop sign and lane violations
• Evading responsibility

He was held over the weekend on a $400,000 bond and was to appear in court Monday, police said.

A state police canine unit unsuccessfully searched the area for his passenger. Police said more arrests are pending.

Photo credit: Chris Dehnel; Vernon PD