New Haven Police Investigate Westville Incidents
New Haven| New Haven Police are investigating a burglary and a shooting which occurred over the past weekend in the Westville neighborhood.
The first investigation began around 3:12 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2020, when officers responded to a residential security alarm on Birch Drive between Ray Road and Hemlock Road. Arriving officers met with the homeowners and were told one or more burglars had entered their home as they slept. The suspects stole several items from inside the house and were in the process of stealing a car from the driveway when the homeowners looked outside and realized what was happening.
Two men were stealing the victims’ parked white 2018 Volvo S90 sedan which was blocked in the driveway between another parked vehicle and the house. In making their getaway, the thief operating the car rammed the vehicle in front of him, struck the house behind him, and hit a utility pole as the two men fled out the driveway.
Additional officers responded to the area and canvassed the neighborhood. At the scene, officers located additional evidence.
The second incident occurred several blocks away and two hours later. At approximately 5:11 a.m., patrol officers responded to reports of gunfire on West Rock Avenue between Whalley Avenue and Yale Avenue.
Arriving officers found a 19-year-old man had been shot in the shoulder after he exited the rear of his house to check on his car alarm. Detectives believe the victim interrupted two men breaking into his vehicle. The two men fled prior to the arrival of officers.
An ambulance transported the gunshot victim to the hospital where he has since been released.
Almost five hours after the shooting and just before 11:00 a.m., officers responded to a report of two males running away from a disabled white Volvo sedan in the roadway on Second Street between Howard Avenue and Greenwich Avenue in the Hill neighborhood. The abandoned vehicle had been stolen in the earlier burglary.
Numerous officers responded to the area, spoke with witnesses, and searched for the suspects. Officers reviewed video from a nearby exterior security camera that showed the Volvo being driven from Howard Avenue to Second Street as it struck a curb and a parked car.
For further investigation, officers impounded the vehicle.
The investigations are ongoing. Detectives are aware of similarities in the two Westville incidents but have not determined if they are in fact related.
NHPD district manager Lieutenant Elliot Rosa said, “These incidents are not typical occurrences in Westville. Most of our crimes are those of opportunity. Residents and visitors are asked to please be aware their surroundings and try not to confront criminal suspects one-on-one. Phone 9-1-1 for emergency police assistance.”
In light of recent activity, Lieutenant Rosa said NHPD patrol officers will give increased attention to portions of Westville. He said officers will patrol the area more often.
Anyone with information about the recent incidents is asked to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304. Callers may remain anonymous.
Previous 9/19/2020
New Haven| Saturday, September 19, at approximately 5:11 AM, New Haven patrol officers responded to a report of gunfire on West Rock Avenue between Whalley Avenue and Yale Avenue in the Westville neighborhood.
Arriving officers found a gunshot victim outside his W. Rock Avenue residence. The 19-year-old man had been shot twice. Emergency medical responders arrived and an ambulance transported the victim to the hospital where he remains in stable condition.
Investigators believe the man was shot after he exited the rear of his house to check on his car alarm.
For several hours, officers held a crime scene as detectives canvassed the area. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Haven Police Department at 203-946-6304. Callers may remain anonymous
Comments