High-Speed Chase Leads to Arrest of Suspected Car Thieves in Westport

Westport, CT - A trio of suspected car thieves were arrested by Westport police early Thursday, after they led authorities on a high-speed chase into Fairfield.

A fourth suspect evaded officers and remains at-large, according to police.

The incident began at about 3:20 a.m. while Westport Police Officer James Loomer and K-9 Officer "Koda" were patrolling residential neighborhoods in the northwest section of Westport. According to police, Loomer and Koda were in those neighborhoods because there has been a "recent increase in overnight car burglaries and stolen vehicles in that area."

Loomer observed a black BMW that had been reported stolen the night before, and as he attempted to stop the vehicle, it drove out of the area at a high rate of speed.

A short time later, Westport Police Officer David Perez located the same stolen vehicle traveling on the Post Road West near Lincoln Street, and as police units attempted to stop the car on Saugatuck Avenue, it again fled and hopped onto I-95 northbound with Westport Police in pursuit.

"The pursuit continued until the suspect vehicle exited I-95 at exit 21 in Fairfield," wrote police in a statement. "The vehicle then crashed into a telephone pole at the bottom of the exit ramp. Pursuing Westport Police Officers quickly apprehended two individuals who were attempting to flee on foot."

Westport K-9 Officer Koda apprehended a third suspect who was running from the scene, but the operator of the vehicle fled the scene and is being sought.

Two of the suspects suffered minor injuries and were treated and released from Norwalk Hospital.

Arrested were Bridgeport residents Tyler Carey, 18, and Denise Marquez, 19. The third suspect is a juvenile for whom police did not release any information.

All three were charged with:

• Larceny 1st Degree
• Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 1st Degree
• Interfering with a Police Officer

Carey was additionally charged with Criminal Impersonation for allegedly giving police a fake name. He and Marquez were each held on $25,000 bonds, and the juvenile was released on a Juvenile Summons and transferred to Norwalk police who held an Order to Detain on previous juvenile charges.

Westport police subsequently transferred Carey to Wilton police who held a warrant for him on a charge of Larceny 1st Degree.

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