K-9 Ike Finds Suspected Car Thief Hiding in Woods: West Haven Police

WEST HAVEN, CT — A New Haven man faces several charges after a West Haven K-9 found him hiding in the woods after police say he ditched a stolen car near the Orange town line.

At about 5:24 a.m. on Wednesday, West Haven police officers observed a gray Honda traveling at a high rate of speed on Sawmill Road, heading toward Bull Hill Lane.

Officers attempted to catch up with the vehicle, which continued to drive erratically toward the Orange town line near Bull Hill and eventually came to a stop at the plaza near the intersection of Bull Hill Lane and Boston Post Road, according to police.

The operator exited the vehicle and fled into a wooded area.

Officer Bloom and K-9 Ike, found the operator hiding in the woods, police said.

Police said the vehicle, a 1997 Honda Civic, was stolen from New Haven.

Francis Sanchez, 22, of Reed Street in New Haven, was arrested and charged with larceny, criminal trover, and multiple motor vehicle charges. He was held on bond.

Pictured: Francis Sanchez, 22, of New Haven / West Haven Police Department photo