SHARE

Stamford Police Chase Down Juvenile Who Stole Unlocked Car At Package Store

STAMFORD, Conn. — A juvenile who drove off with a car that was left unlocked with the keys in the ignition at a package store was captured by Stamford officers after a foot chase Saturday morning, police said.  

Stamford Police

Stamford Police

Photo Credit: Frank MacEachern

At 8 a.m., the Stamford Police Department received a complaint that a car had been stolen from the Happy House Variety Store at 501 Glenbrook Road. 

The vehicle’s owner briefly left the vehicle unlocked with the keys in the ignition, when "an opportunistic juvenile took the vehicle and drove off," police said. 

Officer Joseph Rizzitello spotted the car headed north on Newfield Avenue near Club Road, police said. 

As he turned around to go after the stolen vehicle, the suspect attempted to get away but crashed into a tree on Club Road, police said. 

The juvenile fled on foot, police said. 

Sgt. Richard Barbagallo set up a perimeter to close the suspect in and, "with the help of concerned citizens who reported a suspicious person hiding in the area," a foot chase ensued through yards on Newfield Avenue, police said. 

Officer Norris Clark tackled the suspect in the parking of Trinity Catholic High School, police said.

The juvenile was taken into custody and charged with second-degree larceny, reckless driving, evading responsibility, driving without a license, interfering with police, second-degree burglary and sixth-degree larceny. 

Items stolen from other cars were also found in the juvenile's possession, police said.  

Several Stamford Police Officers suffered minor injuries in the incident.

"The Stamford Police Department reminds everyone to please lock your cars and protect your valuables," police said. "We are very grateful for the assistance of the concerned citizens in this case. Their information helped us quickly take this juvenile off the street. We are very proud of the quick actions and dedication to service of all officers involved in this incident."

.

to follow Daily Voice Greenwich and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE