SHELTON — The Shelton Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins that have occurred over the past several days.
Approximately 25 vehicles were reportedly broken into, with one firearm stolen during the spree.
These incidents took place downtown and along the Bridgeport Avenue corridor.
In response, police increased patrols and worked with detectives to develop leads.
Officers identified a suspect vehicle reported stolen.
On March 3, Officer Ray Laudato, while patrolling the downtown area, located the suspect vehicle in the Cornell Street parking lot.
The suspect vehicle fled, nearly striking Officer Laudato’s police vehicle.
The fleeing vehicle subsequently collided with another vehicle on Howe Avenue.
A male suspect exited and attempted to flee on foot.
During the chase, Officer Laudato observed the suspect reaching into a bag.
The officer apprehended the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Jostyne Morales-Ortiz of Bridgeport.
Upon inspection, police found a flashlight, ski mask, and several sets of car keys in the bag.
A search of the area also led to the recovery of the stolen firearm.
Morales-Ortiz faces numerous charges, including criminal possession of a firearm, larceny of a motor vehicle, and reckless endangerment.
Additional charges relate to motor vehicle offenses and violation of a protective order.
He also faced a warrant for failure to appear and two warrants for probation violation, served by Shelton Police.
On March 4, Morales-Ortiz was arraigned at Derby Superior Court.
