Police Chase, Capture Burglary Suspect In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — A 32-year-old New York man, who Westport police said is homeless, was arrested on burglary and other charges early Friday morning after a foot chase after he was spotted trying to break into a vehicle on Woodside Avenue.

The incident began at about 4:30 a.m. when a homeowner spotted the suspect, later identified as Darius McCallop, trying to break into the vehicle.

"The homeowner confronted the suspect, and the suspect fled the scene on foot running towards Kings Highway North," wrote Westport police in a statement. "Officers set up a perimeter on the area. After approximately 10-15 minutes, an Officer observed a black male in a driveway on Woodside Avenue. The male then jumped over a fence at the back of the driveway and ran into the rear yard. Officers kept the perimeter intact, and a short time later the suspect was again spotted on the southwest corner of [a property on] Kings Highway North. Officers began checking the area and came upon a common laundry room attached to [the property on] Kings Highway North.

"The room was locked. Since the Officers believed that the laundry room should be unlocked, and the male was last seen in that area, Officers obtained a key to the laundry room from the property owner. The Officers made entry into the room and located the suspect."

McCallop was charged with:

• Burglary 3rd degree from Motor Vehicle
• Burglary 3rd degree
• Criminal Mischief 3rd degree
• Interfering with an Officer
• Fugitive from Justice

Police retraced McCallop's steps and found a backpack containing items believed to have been stolen from vehicles. The investigation is continuing.

Additionally, the fugitive charge is in connection with a third-degree robbery warrant for McCallop out of New York, according to police.

McCallop was held in lieu of a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on Aug. 23. He also faces extradition in connection with the New York case.

Photo: Darius McCallop. Photo credit: Westport Police Department