K-9 Tank Tracks Down Four Suspects in Stolen Car Chase

SOUTHINGTON — A dramatic car chase unfolded on Sunday night as police officers pursued a stolen vehicle through the streets. Thanks to the efforts of K-9 Tank, four suspects were successfully apprehended after attempting to flee from the scene.

According to Southington Police Lt. Keith Egan, the suspects involved in the incident have been identified as 18-year-olds Ronald Mcauley Jr., hailing from New Haven, and Andre Lorenzo Woods, from Hamden. Additionally, two minors were also involved in the incident, but their identities have not been disclosed.

The car chase began when officers received reports of a stolen 2018 Kia Forte in the vicinity of the Meriden Waterbury Turnpike and Interstate 691. Upon spotting the stolen vehicle, officers initiated pursuit. However, the suspects refused to comply with multiple traffic signals and attempted to evade capture.

To disable the fleeing vehicle, officers deployed stop sticks. However, the driver managed to evade the obstacle and continued their reckless attempt to escape. Ultimately, the stolen Kia Forte was discovered abandoned on Highland Avenue in Cheshire. All doors were left open, suggesting that the vehicle had been tampered with to facilitate its operation.

With the assistance of K-9 Tank and a team of officers, Mcauley and Woods were located in close proximity to the abandoned vehicle. The remaining two suspects were later found hiding in a wooded area south of I-691.

As a result of their actions, all four suspects have been charged with multiple offenses, including larceny of a motor vehicle, third-degree larceny, first-degree criminal trover, interfering with an officer, and reckless driving. Additionally, Mcauley and Woods face two counts each of risk of injury to a minor.

While the two minors were released into the custody of a parent and are scheduled to appear in Juvenile Court, Mcauley and Woods remain in custody on a $150,000 bond. Court records indicate that both individuals were arraigned on Tuesday and were released with a promise to appear. Their court appearances are scheduled for February.