Burglar Tries to Elude Police by Diving Into a Lake, Swimming to an Island: West Haven Police

WEST HAVEN, CT — A Milford man tried to elude West Haven police diving into the water and swimming to a small island before the Fire Department arrived and helped get the suspect safely to shore, police said.

West Haven police officers conducting directed business patrols early this morning approximately 12:40 a.m. noticed a ladder against Krauszer's located at 544 Derby Avenue. Several backup units arrived on scene and began assisting in a search for the suspect, police said.

A bag containing burglary tools to include an acetylene cutting torch was located, police said. Officers located a male hiding behind a tree who fled on foot when confronted, police said.

The suspect jumped the fence to Maltby Lakes and after being pursued by police on foot the suspect attempted to escape by diving into the water and trying to swim away, police said.

Police surrounded the body of water and the suspect eventually reached a small island in the middle of the water, police said. West Haven Fire Department arrived and assisted getting suspect safely to shore.

Police arrested and charged James Samperi, 37, of High Street Milford, with burglary, possession of burglar tools, interfering with police. He was held on bond. One officer did suffer a shoulder injury and was treated and released, police said.

Image via West Haven Police Department