Connecticut State Police Patch STATE OF CONNECTICUT
Department of Public Safety
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, Connecticut 06457
 
Contact: 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2010

STATE POLICE CAPTURE SUSPECTS
IN EAST LYME CHASE

On September 28, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Connecticut State Police received a report of an armed robbery at the East Lyme Dunkin’ Donuts, 211 Route 161 in East Lyme. 

The East Lyme Resident Trooper, Officers from the East Lyme Resident Trooper’s Office, Troopers from Troop E in Montville and Detectives from the State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad responded to the scene.

While investigating the robbery, information was developed regarding an incident that took place on September 25, during which a black pick-up truck had engaged Troopers in a pursuit and evaded   capture.  Investigators at the scene of the robbery determined that the pick-up truck was a vehicle of possible interest in this robbery case.

On September 29, at about 1:30 a.m., a Sergeant from the East Lyme Resident Trooper’s Office while on routine patrol observed the pick-up truck of interest and the operator of the pick-up accelerated and engaged the sergeant in a pursuit.  The pursuit entered I-95 and continued onto Route 1.  The vehicle lost control on Route 1 and struck curbing and a large sign and stopped. The operator attempted to flee, by accelerating the pick-up driving directly into the front end of the sergeant’s police vehicle.  The sergeant was able to stop the suspect vehicle and take the suspect into custody while the passenger fled on foot.  The passenger was eventually captured by troopers.

Arrested #1: 

Griffin W. Mitchell,  DOB 10/13/1987
            778 Mulberry Point Road, Guilford

Charges: 

Reckless driving
            Misuse of registration plates
            Evading responsibility
            Disobeying signal of an officer
            Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
            Operating a motor vehicle without insurance
            Operating a motor vehicle under suspension
            Assault on a police officer
            Possession of drug paraphernalia
            Possession of a controlled substance
            Criminal mischief
            Interfering with police

Mitchell was released on a $25,000 non-surety bond.

Arrested #2: 

Daniel  J. Santamaria, DOB 7/23/1991
            396 Boston Post Road, East Lyme

Charges: 

Interfering with police

Accused Santamaria was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond .

Information obtained by State Police investigators during this investigation has provided information regarding the armed robbery at the Dunkin’ Donuts in East Lyme, as well as an armed robbery that occurred in other nearby towns.

State Police Detective will continue to investigate the armed robberies and work collectively with other agencies and the investigation continues. 

Anyone with information is requested to contact Troop E in Montville at (860) 848-6500.

-end-

LT. J. Paul Vance

Connecticut State Police
Public Information OfficeYour Help Needed
The Connecticut State Police frequently relies on the general public for help in solving criminal cases.  If you have witnessed a crime or if you have information that might help detectives solve a case, we would like to hear from you. 

If you can help the CT State Police solve a crime, please call our 24 hour line

(860) 685-8190, or our toll free line at 800-842-0200 (in-state only).
Or if you choose you can Text a Tip-

HOW?:
by using your cell phone you can (anonymously) text a message with a tip or information to the CT State Police.


Text "TIP711 plus your message" to CRIMES (274637)

This is strictly a system set up for the public to send tips via text messaging to
the police text messaging to the police anonymously.

THIS IS NOT TO BE USED TO REPORT CRIMES
OR
TO BE USED FOR REPORTING EMERGENCIES

FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 911