3 Arrested After Breaking Into Vehicle In Westport: Police

WESTPORT, CT — A 19-year-old Naugatuck man — who Westport police said was accompanied by two juveniles — was arrested early Tuesday, after breaking into an unlocked vehicle in the driveway of a home in the Compo Beach area, and leading authorities on a vehicle and foot chase.

The incident began at about 12:45 a.m. when Westport police received a call from a homeowner in the beach area, who said their vehicle was being burglarized.

"The complainant reported that their Ring doorbell camera activated when a suspect entered a vehicle parked in the driveway," wrote Westport Police Lt. Eric Woods in a statement.

A dark-colored vehicle was seen waiting in the street for one of the suspects who had broken into the vehicle, so Westport police officers, who were on scene almost immediately, quickly set up a perimeter in the area of Hills Point Road, Greens Farms Road, and Compo Road South, Woods said.

One of the officers spotted a suspicious vehicle exiting Mimi Lane, and tried to pull it over, only for the vehicle to speed off.

"An officer stationed at Hills Point Road and Greens Farms Road waited for the suspect vehicle to approach his location, where he successfully deployed a tire deflation device (Stop Sticks)," Woods said.

However, the vehicle continued east on Greens Farms Road and entered Sherwood Island State Park. Another officer who saw the vehicle enter the park, waited for it to exit because he knew the park and gates were closed.

"The vehicle emerged from the park and became disabled from the flat tires as it entered I-95 [northbound] at Exit 18. All three occupants then fled on foot," Woods said.

Responding officers chased the trio on foot, and located two of them (the 19-year-old and one juvenile) hiding in the water of the marsh to the south of I-95. A short time later, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police notified Westport police that its officers located the third suspect, a juvenile, in the area of Clayton Place.

All three were transported to the Westport Police Department, and charged with the following:

• Conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny
• Conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary
• Interfering with a police officer

The 19-year-old, identified as the driver named Willie Redd, was also charged with:

• Reckless operation of a motor vehicle
• Engaging in pursuit

All three were released, the juveniles to their families, and Redd after posting bond. Redd is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on April 11, while the juveniles are scheduled to appear in Juvenile Court at a later date.

"The Westport Police again remind residents to lock their vehicles and take valuables out of their
locked cars," Woods said. "We encourage the use of alarm/surveillance systems and exterior lighting at night. We thank the Connecticut State Police, Fairfield Police, Wilton Police K-9 Unit, and MTA Police. These agencies assisted us with both perimeter security and the search for the eluding suspects."