Officer Marc Andrew interrupted four men and a juvenile from New Haven stealing cars and auto accessories in a dimly lit parking lot on North Main Street just after 1:00 a.m. this morning. As Officer Andrew stopped his patrol car to investigate, the thieves jumped into two stolen cars and fled the area, one of the vehicles backing into Andrew’s patrol car.

Officer Andrew radioed other officers posted on East Main Street as both of the stolen vehicles passed the officers at a high rate of speed. A short distance later, both vehicles lost control as they attempted to enter I-95 eastbound, crashing into the wooded area adjacent to the highway.

Sergeants Ramey & Watrous, Officers Herten, Andrew, Sobieraj, Keyes and Rubano were able to immediately apprehend Emilio Davila, 18, of 15 Dewitt St.; Jose Natal, 19, of 129 Morris St.; Gerald Dejesus-Ortiz of 15 Dewitt St. and a 15 year old juvenile, all from New Haven. The fifth suspect, from New Haven, Jose Sanchez, 18, of 57 Judsen St. fled the area on foot, however was apprehended by the department’s K-9, Neecko and his handler, Officer Dave Atkinson a short time later.

As a result of the investigation, police recovered 2 stolen cars at the accident site, 1 stolen car at the original location on North Main Street left by the thieves and numerous amounts of auto accessories and personal items stolen from vehicles, not yet reported, throughout the Short Beach, Branford Hills and Harbor Street area of town.

Chief Kevin Halloran said the apprehension of the thieves and the recovery of the stolen items are rooted in good police work. “I am very proud of the work that our officers do on a daily basis. This is just another example of how well trained and professional the officers are and how they continue to work together cohesively to apprehend criminals.”

All four men including the juvenile were charged with 3 counts of Larceny Third, 3 counts of Conspiracy to commit Larceny Third, 5 counts of Burglary Third, 5 counts of Conspiracy to commit Burglary Third, Larceny Sixth, Criminal Trover, and Interfering with an Officer. Sanchez and Davila were additionally charged with Reckless Driving, Evading Responsibility, Engaging Officer in Pursuit and Operating without License for their roles as the operators of the fleeing vehicles.

All except the juvenile were held on $50,000 bond and were arraigned in New Haven court this morning. The juvenile was released on a Written Promise to Appear to a parent or guardian.

Anyone who may be missing articles from their vehicles is encouraged to contact the Branford Police at 203-481-4241.