Cars Stolen While Victims Pumped Gas, Teens Charged: West Haven Police

WEST HAVEN, CT — Two 14-year-olds were arrested in connection with the thefts of vehicles that were stolen while the victims were pumping gas Friday in West Haven, according to police.

Woodbridge police notified several local police departments around 4 p.m. on Feb. 2 that a stolen Audi from their town was heading into New Haven.

A female victim was pumping gas into her Hyundai around 4:25 p.m. in West Haven when police said a male juvenile entered her car and began to drive away. The woman suffered minor injuries when she tried to stop the theft, according to police.

“A few minutes later a black Cadillac was stolen from Noble Gas Station on the Boston Post Road. Again while an individual was pumping gas," police wrote in a news release. "This Cadillac drove to Saw Mill Road where the operator struck a vehicle at 502 Saw Mill Road, Great Way. All occupants fled on foot. At this time every available unit was sent to the area.

"The initial Audi from Woodbridge was observed on Saw Mill Road picking up individuals from the evading and a Patrol Sergeant attempted to stop it. The Audi continued onto I95 and was operating with no regard for public safety so the Sergeant terminated his attempt.”

Police said the West Haven Patrol Division and Street Crime Unit began investigating the incidents and found that the Audi was at the I-95 Southbound rest stop.

“Mutual aid requests went out to Milford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police,” police wrote. “A joint operation ensued and all units converged on the Audi. The operator attempted to flee yet again but was stopped by ‘stop sticks’ which were deployed by our Officers, deflating all four tires. The occupants fled and were later caught.”

Two 14-year-olds were arrested. Police said one was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun and both were charged accordingly.

“We would like to thank Milford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police for their assistance,” police wrote. “We also would like to remind the public to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Please do not pump your gas with your vehicle running. Shut the vehicle off and remove your key from the vehicle to prevent easy opportunities for criminals like these.”