On August 16, 2017 at approximately 3:39 a.m., Stratford Police Department notified Troop G - Bridgeport that Stratford officers were in pursuit of a stolen red 2004 Jeep Wrangler I-95 northbound near exit 34 in Milford; however they broke off their pursuit in the area of exit 36.

     Connecticut State Troopers then observed the stolen Jeep Wrangler traveling I-95 near exit 37 in Milford, and attempted to stop the vehicle. The operator of the Jeep Wrangler refused to stop and engaged troopers in a high-speed pursuit.

     State Troopers also broke off their pursuit of the Jeep Wrangler as it approached exit 42 in West Haven, but observed it leave the highway at exit 43 and travel into the City of West Haven.

      As troopers exited the highway at exit 43, they found the Jeep Wrangler involved in a minor crash after striking a wood beam guard rail on Campbell Avenue in West Haven. Five male juveniles were seen fleeing the from the Jeep Wrangler on foot.

     The West Haven Police Department was notified. West Haven Police Department flooded the area with officers and set up a perimeter, and the Milford Police Department also sent police officers and a K9 team.

      As a result of this rapid response from all agencies involved, the five juveniles were located and taken into custody. The juvenile males ranged in age from 13 to 17 years old and all five are from New Haven.  The five juveniles were transported to Yale New Haven Hospital where they were evaluated for minor injuries related to the crash.

     The five Juveniles were charged with Interfering with Police and Larceny 3rd Degree. The operator of the vehicle was also charged with Engaging Police in Pursuit, Reckless Driving, Evading the Scene of an Accident and Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree.

      The five juveniles are scheduled to appear at New Haven Juvenile Court on August 28, 2017.