Police: 2 teens arrested, ‘ghost guns’ seized, after chase on I-95

FAIRFIELD — Two teens, one from Hamden and the other from Meriden, were arrested after a police chase on Interstate 95 North earlier this week, according to police.

A town officer was patrolling in an unmarked vehicle around 5:25 p.m. Thursday “when they observed a black Honda Civic traveling south on Black Rock Turnpike,” then determined “the vehicle had recently been reported stolen out of New Haven following a reported violent carjacking,” officials said on Facebook.

Another officer, arriving in a marked cruiser, attempted to stop the Civic near the intersection of Black Rock Turnpike and Rakoczy Avenue, but the car “allegedly refused to stop and fled from officers.”

“Fairfield Police deployed spike strips further down the road in the area of Castle Avenue in an attempt to stop the suspect vehicle,” said police. “The vehicle then began driving in the wrong direction on the Kings Highway East Traffic Circle before subsequently entering the on-ramp for I-95, traveling northbound.”

Fairfield and state police pursued the vehicle on I-95, following it off the highway as it exited onto Seaview Avenue in Bridgeport. The chase “remained at a low rate of speed due to the vehicle’s punctured tires,” police noted.

“Police then deployed spike strips on Seaview Avenue, which the vehicle drove over before once again entering the on-ramp onto I-95, traveling northbound. At this time, the driver lost control of the vehicle in the grass median. The pursuit lasted approximately five miles,” police said.

The occupants of the vehicle, allegedly a 17-yearold from Hamden and a 15-year-old from Meriden, ran across the road before they were arrested after a brief foot chase, police said.

“Upon a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized two 9mm semi-automatic handguns along with a high capacity (30 round) magazine. The guns did not have a serial number and are believed to be what is referred to as ‘ghost guns,’ ” said police. “Police also seized three bags containing a white, loose rock-like substance that is believed to be crack cocaine and 35 individually packaged white wax folds containing a white powdery substance believed to be heroin.”

The 17-year-old was charged with first-degree larceny, possession of more than an ounce of heroin with intent to distribute, illegal transfer/purchase of a pistol, carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal possession of a vehicle in a motor vehicle, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a high-capacity magazine, engaging police in a pursuit, reckless driving and resisting arrest, police said.

The 15-year-old was charged with first-degree larceny, illegal transfer of a stolen pistol or revolver, carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal possession of a weapon ina motor vehicle, possession of more than an ounce of heroin with intent to distribute, criminal possession of a firearm and resisting arrest, police said.

The two youths were transported to the Bridgeport Juvenile Detention Center ahead of their arraignment, police said. They allegedly had pending felony taken into custody orders “following numerous allegations of violent crimes, and after they allegedly escaped from juvenile detention.”

Police Chief Robert Kalamaras praised officers for their response.

“I would like to commend all Fairfield Police Officers involved and thank the Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police for their assistance in apprehending these two suspects, resulting in the seizure of dangerous weapons and substances,” Kalamaras said. “Due to the diligent work of all officers involved, we were able to successfully apprehend the suspects without further harm to the community.”