MANCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) — An East Hartford man was arrested Saturday after stealing a vehicle with a 3-year-old child still inside it, according to Manchester Police.
Police said they got a call around 3:18 p.m. that a motor vehicle had been stolen outside of a Shell Gas Station on 404 Hartford Road. The caller also stated that a 3-year-old male had been in a car seat inside of the vehicle.
A witness told officials that they vehicle proceeded on to I-384 westbound.
Assistance from Connecticut State Police and Hartford Police Department quickly resulted in the vehicle being located at the bottom of Founders Bridge at 3:24 p.m., however the suspect fled on foot.
Police identified the suspect as 36-year-old Leonel Colon-Ortiz of East Hartford. Colon-Ortiz was quickly apprehended where he was found to be in possession of multiple bags of suspected heroin, drug paraphernalia, and a large kitchen knife discovered tucked into his waistband.
The 3-year-old male was found unharmed, police say. He is back in his mother’s care.
Colon-Ortiz was given multiple charges for this incident:
- Risk of Injury
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Carrying a Dangerous Weapon
- Illegal Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle
- Larceny in the Third Degree
- Kidnapping in the Second Degree
- Reckless Driving
- Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a License
Colon-Ortiz is currently being held on a $200,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on October 22.
