2 Charged In Armed Robbery In West Haven: Police

WEST HAVEN, CT — Two men accused of a carjacking in North Haven were arrested in connection with the armed robbery of a pawn shop in West Haven on Friday, according to police.

West Haven police were notified around 5:35 p.m. on March 1 of a carjacking that took place in North Haven. Two men armed with guns had assaulted an Uber driver and fired a gun while forcibly removing the victim from his vehicle, according to police.

The suspects fled in a 4-door white Toyota Camry.

A short time later, officials said West Haven police received a report of a robbery at the East Coast Pawn shop at 961 First Avenue.

Police said the suspects, who were armed with guns, were operating the same white Toyota Camry.

“West Haven Police Officers located the suspect vehicle and engaged it in pursuit,” police wrote in a news release. “Officers lost sight of the vehicle due to the extreme reckless manner in which it was being operated and subsequently the pursuit was terminated.

“A short time later we received a report of this vehicle crashing in the area of Glade Street. Through investigative techniques, Officers were able to ascertain these individuals last known whereabouts. Members of our Detective Division assumed the investigation and were able to obtain a search warrant for an address on Treat St.”

Police conducted a search warrant around 3 a.m. Saturday and found both suspects inside the apartment along with “numerous items of evidentiary value as well as firearm related items,” according to police.

Police said 20-year-old Mehki Stewart and a 17-year-old juvenile were arrested. Both were charged with first-degree robbery, criminal possession of a firearm, engaging officers in pursuit and third-degree larceny.

Stewart was being held in lieu of a bond and the 17-year-old juvenile was placed on an order to detain and will remain in custody pending their court dates, according to police.

North Haven police will also have charges for both when their investigation is completed, police said.

“West Haven Police Department would like to thank North Haven Police Department and the Connecticut State Police for their assistance in this investigation,” police wrote.