WORCESTER, MA — A man wanted on an arson charge in Worcester County was captured by a police K-9 after fleeing a stolen vehicle in Connecticut, police said.
Mark Alicea, 39, is facing charges in Enfield, CT, after K-9 Odin tracked him through dense vegetation, swampland and across a pond, according to the Enfield Police Department. Police said Alicea had an extraditable warrant from Worcester County, though officials did not provide details about the arson case.
Enfield officers began monitoring the stolen vehicle after learning it had entered the town, police said. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but ended the pursuit in accordance with Connecticut state policy after the driver fled.
The vehicle continued traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph and was being driven recklessly even without officers pursuing it, according to police.
Officers deployed a tire-deflation device that disabled the vehicle. Alicea then fled on foot before Odin tracked and apprehended him, police said.
Alicea was charged in Connecticut with larceny of a motor vehicle, third-degree criminal mischief, first-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with a police investigation, engaging police in a pursuit, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.
He was held on a $200,000 cash or surety bond on those charges. Alicea was also charged with being a fugitive from justice and held on an additional $800,000 cash or surety bond because of the Worcester County warrant, police said.
Connecticut State Police Troop C assisted Enfield officers by establishing a perimeter during the search.
See Also:
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Worcester Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.