9 Suspects Busted Attempting To Burglarize Homes, Cars: Westport PD

WESTPORT, CT — Nine people, some of whom are juveniles, were arrested by Westport police Monday, after authorities said the suspects were trying to break into homes and vehicles in the area. During the investigation, Westport police recovered two stolen vehicles and a handgun.

The incident began at about 11 a.m., when the department was alerted by Fairfield police "to be on the lookout for a car that was reported to be occupied by three males wearing masks."

"These suspects had been seen trying door handles of vehicles in residential driveways and had reportedly made at least one observed attempt to enter a garage," said Westport Police Lt. Anthony Prezioso in a statement. "The suspect car was reported to have been last seen around the Fairfield and Westport town line."

Westport police officers began checking the area, and a Westport detective in an unmarked police vehicle located the car and suspects walking up a residential driveway attempting to enter a parked vehicle.

At that time, a second unmarked police vehicle arrived to assist.

"When the suspect recognized them as officers, they fled from the scene, striking and significantly damaging/disabling one of the police vehicles and injuring an officer," Prezioso said. "This vehicle fled towards Interstate 95 southbound, where it eventually became disabled due to damage sustained in the initial collision. It had stopped between exits 18 and 17."

Multiple police units from several law enforcement agencies responded to the area and quickly apprehended a number of suspects who attempted to run from the scene.

"The vehicle that the suspects were traveling in was previously reported stolen and found to contain a handgun," Prezioso said.

While officers were setting up a perimeter and attempting to apprehend the suspects involved in this initial incident, a second vehicle, which police said had been "involved in similar criminal activity," passed through the police perimeter.

"This vehicle, also previously reported as stolen, contained multiple occupants," Prezioso said. "Upon attempting to stop this secondary vehicle, it immediately fled from the officers, striking an unmarked police vehicle being operated by Chief [Foti] Koskinas. The vehicle then began traveling recklessly through several local roads to elude officers."

The vehicle eventually made its way to the Sherwood Island Connector, where it was involved in another crash that resulted in it becoming disabled. Several suspects were taken into custody, and the Connector was temporarily closed on Monday, but it has since been reopened.

Suspects involved in the case range in age between 12 and 20, according to Prezioso. The investigation is continuing, and Westport police said more information will be released in the future.

"Although this is an ongoing investigation, it is believed that all parties directly involved in today’s incidents have been apprehended," Prezioso said. "There is therefore no threat to the community associated with this investigation."