Seymour police helped Derby police catch two underage suspected car thieves Saturday.
The incident began Saturday afternoon on Eighth Street in Derby, where a woman reported two people standing in her driveway near her vehicle, Derby police said.
“Upon seeing the citizen, the youths ran from the residence,” police said.
“A responding Derby Police Officer observed a grey Toyota 4‑Runner in the area occupied by two persons matching the clothing description of the suspects. A check of the vehicle’s registration revealed it to be stolen out of Bridgeport,” Derby police said.
According to a written statement from Seymour police, Derby police pursued the stolen vehicle onto Route 8 north heading toward Seymour at about 1:45 p.m.
The vehicle left the highway and headed onto Derby Avenue in Seymour, then onto River Street and eventually made its way all the way up Route 67 into Oxford.
From there it headed into Meadow Brook Estates.
“Once in the Meadow Brook Estates, the driver along with one passenger exited the stolen motor vehicle and fled on foot into the woods,” police said.
Both suspects were quickly captured by four police officers and a police dog.
“Juvenile 1” was identified as the operator of the stolen motor vehicle, police said. He or she was arrested and charged with reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, interfering with officers, third-degree larceny, and driving without a license.
The other suspect was charged with interfering with police and third-degree larceny. That suspect is also underage.
Derby police said the youths were 16 and 17, and that both live in Derby.
“This arrest was initially made possible by the call from the concerned citizen regarding her observed suspicious activity. Citizens are encouraged to always call the police whenever they see something or someone that appears suspicious,” Derby police said.
