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WESTPORT, Conn. Two men suspected of trying to break into a Westport commercial building early Monday morning led police on a car chase that ended about 20 miles away in New York, Capt. Sam Arciola said.
The suspects, who were spotted walking outside the commercial complex at 877 Post Road E. about 12:27 a.m., were pursued along I-95 southbound by Westport, Darien, Stamford, Greenwich, state and Port Chester, N.Y., police. The chase ended in Port Chester, where the suspects' vehicle crashed, Arciola said.
The chase began after Westport Police Officer Steve Pritchard spotted two men in hooded sweaters outside 877 Post Road E. during a routine patrol. One of the men reportedly had a pry bar in his hands, Arciola said.
When Pritchard entered the parking lot, the suspects ran to the back of the building, where they entered a white Dodge minivan with New York plates. It was later determined the suspects had tried to break into one of the businesses in the building, Arciola said.
"There were visible pry marks on the door to Rings End lumber, he said, adding that the store is new to the complex.
The suspects fled, leading police onto I-95 southbound. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle intentionally struck and damaged two Westport police cruisers, Arciola said. No police officers were injured.
As the pursuit continued along I-95, Westport police were joined by Connecticut state police as well as Darien, Stamford and Greenwich police. In an attempt to stop the minivan, state police deployed stop sticks along the highway, causing the vehicle to get a flat tire, Arciola said.
Port Chester police joined the pursuit as the suspects entered New York, Arciola said. The minivan eventually crashed in Port Chester, where the suspects got away, he said.
Westport police are looking into a possible link between these suspects and the two February burglaries at Mitchells of Westport, 670 Post Road E.
We believe these suspects are linked to those burglaries, Arciola said. Were looking at the evidence and circumstances surrounding those crimes.
The suspect minivan is in the custody of the Westport Police Department. Investigators are looking for any evidence in the van that might lead to the suspects, Arciola said.
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