Milford police say a tip about a stolen car on Oct. 27 ended with a foot chase through the Target parking lot and the arrest of a 49-year-old man who was already wanted on a probation-violation warrant. Edwin Santana of Milford was taken into custody after allegedly abandoning the stolen vehicle and running, according to police.
At around 6:50 p.m., the Milford Police Department received information about a stolen 2008 gray Toyota Corolla, according to Boston 25 News. Not long after, an officer spotted a gray Corolla traveling at a high rate of speed through the Target parking lot on Boulevard, the station reported.
Near-Miss Leads to Traffic Stop
Police said the Corolla nearly collided with another vehicle before Officer Austin Chapski attempted to stop it, according to Patch. Rather than pulling over, the driver allegedly got out of the stolen vehicle and ran, per the same Boston 25 News account.
Chapski pursued Santana and took him into custody without further incident as additional officers and K-9 Ozzy arrived to assist, Patch reported. The arrest took place without further incident, according to that account.
Suspect Had Outstanding Warrant
Police identified the suspect as 49-year-old Edwin Santana of Milford, the station noted. Santana had an active warrant for a probation violation related to indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older, Boston 25 News reported, citing police.
Santana was charged with a probation violation, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, subsequent offense, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest, according to the outlet. He was held without bail and was expected to be arraigned Wednesday on the charges, the station reported.
Chief Praises Officers' Restraint
Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino commended the department's response to the incident. “I'd like to commend our officers for their professionalism and restraint in bringing this wanted individual into custody without further incident,” Tusino said, per Patch.
The arrest capped off a sequence of events at the Target parking lot on Boulevard, with a near-collision, a foot pursuit and a K-9 response all unfolding at or near the lot before officers brought the episode to a close.
