Thank you to our Local Business Sponsor:
BRANFORD, CT — Police said on Sunday, officers were patrolling the Walmart parking lot and found a blue Acura RL, which had a stolen registration plate affixed to the rear.
Police said they learned the Acura was stolen from Branford in early October.
Police said the driver, later identified as Carlos Collazos, 30, of New Haven, was “uncooperative and several officers gave him numerous commands to exit the locked vehicle.”
Police said Collazos “instead started the vehicle and attempted to flee, striking multiple police vehicles and a customer’s unoccupied vehicle. Officers were able to position their vehicles to stop him from attempting to escape, potentially injuring bystanders, and causing additional damage.”
Officers were able to remove Collazos from the vehicle and take him into custody and while doing so, police said they found he had an “automatic spring release knife” on him.
Two police officers and Collazos were taken to a local hospital to receive medical treatment for injuries sustained during this incident. No customers were injured.
Police said Collazos, a convicted felon, is on the Deadly Weapon Offender Registry for prior weapons convictions. He was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen marker plate, assault on an officer, interfering with an officer, reckless driving, first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree criminal mischief and carrying a dangerous weapon.
Collazos is currently being held on a $500,000 bond.
“Through this apprehension, it was determined Collazos was involved in numerous thefts from Branford and other towns,” police said, adding that, “Property was located during this incident which was returned to the original owner(s).”
Police said the investigation continues, and additional charges are anticipated.
“We commend the officers’ quick actions and teamwork during this incident to safely take the suspect into custody without injuries to bystanders,” police wrote. “Branford officers are committed to keeping our community safe.”
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
