Man accused of stealing vehicle taken into custody with help from K9 Rocco

OLD LYME, CT (WFSB) – A man accused of stealing a vehicle was taken into custody by state police Wednesday afternoon with the help of K9 Rocco.

Officials say that at approximately 3:00 p.m., Troop F was notified by West Haven police that a motor vehicle described as a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with a Connecticut license plate was stolen by an adult male. He was last seen traveling in the Guilford area.

A BOLO and suspect description was sent to patrol officers.

Shortly thereafter, Troop F was notified by Clinton police that they had located the vehicle traveling north on I-95, but the operator eluded authorities.

Moments later, Old Saybrook officers observed the vehicle traveling northbound on I-95 from Exit 68. They received a photo of the suspect from gas station personnel.

Staff also told police that the suspect was out and about asking people for money for gas.

At approximately 7:33 p.m., officers responded to the area of ​​Lyme Street in Old Lyme on a report of an active disturbance. The caller reported to dispatch that they had stopped to assist an adult male who was lying on the ground near Exit 70 of the I-95 South exit while traveling on Lyme Street.

During the interaction, the man stood up and attempted to steal her vehicle before running away toward a wooded area.

A soldier approached the tree line and heard rustling in the forest.

The suspect pleaded with the officer not to dispatch K9 Rocco after verbally instructing him to leave the area. He surrendered and was taken into custody.

After investigation, it was determined that the suspect, 36-year-old Manuel Aviles, had stolen the Jeep earlier in the day.

He is charged with second-degree breach of peace, theft of a motor vehicle and obstructing an officer.

Aviles told officers he abandoned the Jeep on I-95 South just before Exit 70. The Jeep was later located with a flat tire.

He is being held on $50,000 bond and appeared in a New London court on Thursday.

Copyright 2024 WFSB. All rights reserved.