Man arrested after accident with stolen car in Groton

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – A man was arrested after crashing a stolen car in Groton Sunday morning.

According to police, emergency crews responded to Esker Point Beach (900 Groton Long Point Road) around 7:12 a.m. after a car accident was reported.

When officers arrived, they found an unoccupied 2024 Kia ​​Soul lying on its side at the edge of the beach. A witness told police that a man fled on foot toward Marsh Road and Noble Avenue.

The investigation revealed that the suspect was traveling at a high rate of speed in the vehicle before failing to negotiate a curve, causing the car to crash through a guardrail and strike several trees and a Groton Parks of Recreation sign.

Further investigation also revealed that the vehicle was reported stolen in Salem, New Hampshire.

A New Hampshire photo taken at the time of the arrest matched the description the witness gave police, which helped them identify the suspect as 37-year-old Christopher Doleo of Lowell, Massachusetts, and determined he had a history of violent crimes in several states.

With the help of dog teams and a drone, officers began searching the area around Noble Avenue for Doleo.

Witnesses reported seeing him near a residence in the area, and officers saw him enter the home. Officers entered the home and found him in a crawl space underneath the house.

He was taken into custody without incident.

Additionally, he was found to be wanted by police in Salem, New Hampshire, for two counts of theft and one count of minor contempt of court.

He was taken to hospital because of his accident injuries.

He is charged with auto theft, obstructing the work of a police officer, third-degree burglary, second-degree breach of the peace, reckless driving, evading responsibility for property damage, operating a motor vehicle without a license and evading justice.

He is being held on $200,000 bail.

Citizens with information regarding traffic problems or other incidents involving criminal activity are asked to contact the Groton Police Department at (860) 441-6712.

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