WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) – Two juveniles have been arrested for allegedly stealing a car with a child inside on Monday afternoon.
Police said just before 5 p.m., officers responded to a commercial business plaza on East Main Street for the report of a stolen car with a child inside. It was determined the owner of the car left the car unlocked and running with a 12-year-old girl in the backseat. Police said the woman got out of the car to go inside a business to check on her son who was attending an activity inside.
When the woman returned, she noticed her car had been stolen with her daughter inside. A short time after, the 12-year-old returned to the area and said she was let out of the car before the car left the parking lot. The girl was not injured.
The stolen car, a 2016 black Dodge Charger was recovered on Tuesday by the Fairfield Auto Theft Regional Task Force in Bridgeport.
Tuesday evening, Fairfield Police confirmed to News 8 the Charger was used in a similar incident in Fairfield about an hour and a half after the Waterbury incident.
In that incident, a teen was left alone in an unlocked car in front of ’16 Handles’ on Post Road. A male suspect walked up to the car, got inside, and ordered the teen out. Witnesses reported seeing a black vehicle flee the area in close proximity to the stolen vehicle. Police believe this vehicle was occupied by subjects working with the male suspect.
The accomplice’s vehicle was believed to be a black Dodge Charger. Police say it was recovered in Bridgeport on Tuesday.
“This incident is a direct example of the dangers we encounter as a community regarding thefts of stolen motor vehicles – which are predominately crimes committed by juveniles,” said Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo on Tuesday. “Please remember to be aware of your surroundings, secure your vehicles at all times, and remove any items of value.”
The Fairfield Auto Theft Regional Task Force in Bridgeport arrested the two juveniles. Waterbury police said additional charges are possible from their department.