Danbury police: Two teens arrested in stolen car tied to drive-by attacks

DANBURY — Two teenage boys were arrested Monday night after multiple houses were struck by gunfire during drive-by shootings involving a stolen SUV, police say.

The boys were identified as 15- and 17-year-old city residents, Erin Henry, Danbury public relations specialist, said Tuesday. Both were charged with car theft, engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving, operating without a license and interfering with the duties of a police officer, Henry said.

Additional arrests and charges are pending, Henry added.

Danbury officers responded to Mill Ridge Road Monday night for two separate reports of shots fired, according to Henry.

One of the incidents occurred around 7 p.m., and the other happened around 10:30 p.m., Henry said. In both cases, Henry said, homes in the area were shot at by one or more occupants of a passing car.

Witnesses identified the involved car as a light-colored Honda CR-V, a description that matched a vehicle stolen earlier in the evening, according to Henry.

Investigators determined the three incidents were linked, Henry said.

Following the second shooting, an officer spotted the Honda CR-V, according to Henry.

However, the driver fled as the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Henry said.

The driver led police in a pursuit before the SUV became disabled in the Triangle Street area where several occupants tried to run away, Henry said.

Two suspects were apprehended with the assistance of Brookfield and Ridgefield police during said.

One of the suspects was bitten by a K-9, but declined medical attention, Henry said.

Investigators confirmed the disabled Honda CR-V was the same car reported stolen earlier that night and involved in the Mill Ridge Road shootings, according to Henry. Evidence suggested a firearm was inside the car, Henry said.

In addition, a pistol believed to have been discarded by the suspects was located under a parked car nearby, Henry said.

Henry said several homes were struck by the gunfire, but no injuries were reported.

Anyone with information regarding the shootings can contact the Danbury Police Department at 203-797-4611, or submit an anonymous tip via text or an online web form. a Henry