Branford auto thieves lead police on chase

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Police interrupted five thieves from stealing cars and auto accessories in a Branford parking lot early Thursday morning.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m., in a dimly lit parking lot on North Main St.

According to police, when an officer stopped to investigate, the thieves jumped into two stolen cars and fled the area. One of the vehicle's backed into the officer's patrol car.

The officer called in backup, as both stolen vehicles took off at a high rate of speed on East Main Street.

Police said a short distance later, both vehicles lost control as they attempted to enter I-95 Eastbound, crashing into a wooded area adjacent to the highway.

Three men and one juvenile were arrested at the scene: 18-year-old Emilio Davila, of 15 Dewitt St., New Haven; 19-year-old Jose Natal, of 129 Morris St., New Haven; Gerald Dejesus-Ortiz, also of 15 Dewitt St.; and a 15-year-old juvenile.

The fifth suspect, 18-year-old Jose Sanchez, of 57 Judsen St., New Haven, fled the area on foot. However, he was arrested a short time later, police said.

As a result of the investigation, police recovered two stolen cars at the accident site, one stolen car at the original location on North Main Street left 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.

All five suspects were charged with three counts of third-degree larceny, three counts of conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny, five counts of third-degree burglary, five counts of conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, sixth-degree larceny, criminal trover, and interfering with an officer.

Sanchez and Davila were additionally charged with reckless driving, evading responsibility, engaging an officer in pursuit, and operating without a license.

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