GREENWICH, CT — Two men were arrested Wednesday following an attempted vehicle theft using a car carrier scam and a subsequent police pursuit.
Greenwich Police detectives became aware of the scam at 1:19 p.m. March 18, 2026.
A car carrier scam is a type of organized vehicle theft that exploits how dealerships ship cars.
Criminals create fake accounts on vehicle transport platforms, monitor upcoming shipments and change the delivery location.
They then hire a transport company to pick up the car from the dealership and deliver it to the fake address.
Officers responded to the Byram area for surveillance in an attempt to intercept the theft.
Around 3:01 p.m., the incident escalated when the suspect arrived and undercover officers identified themselves to make the arrest.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle the suspect was driving.
The vehicle fled the scene after attempting to strike an officer.
During the pursuit, the vehicle struck a marked patrol vehicle while attempting to evade police.
The officer in the vehicle sustained minor injuries due to the collision.
The vehicle then drove off a ledge at the end of the roadway and became disabled.
Both occupants exited the vehicle and complied with officers’ commands.
Both individuals were taken into custody without further incident.
The operator of the vehicle was identified as Derek Ambioris Santana and the passenger was identified as Isaac Cooke.
Santana was charged with conspiracy at larceny first degree, criminal attempt at larceny first degree, two counts of criminal attempt at assault on a police officer, assault on a police officer, reckless driving and engaging in police pursuit.
Cooke was charged with conspiracy at larceny first degree, criminal attempt at larceny first degree and failure to wear a seat belt.
