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K9 Officer Helps Catch Teen Car-Theft Suspect On I-84

 A State Police K9 helped troopers nab a suspected car thief after he helped track down the man as he ran following a pursuit that ended with his tires flattened by stop sticks. 

K-9 Ale

K-9 Ale

Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police
Manuel Ortiz

Manuel Ortiz

Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police

The incident took place around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday when state police received a report of a stolen car in Danbury. Troopers were able to quickly track down the 2017 Honda Pilot as it passed Exit 14 on I-84, according to a state police report.

After noticing the troopers, the driver, identified as Manuel Ortiz, 18, of Waterbury, immediately began fleeing at a high rate speed and engaged police in a pursuit, the report said.

The pursuit continued eastbound on I-84 until the vehicle hit a row of stop sticks that caused both is his front tires to go flat, which caused Ortiz to jump out of the vehicle at the Middlebury exit and flee on foot.

Officers, including K9 Ale chased Ortiz for a short distance before he was apprehended by the dog and taken into custody.

Ortiz was charged with engaging police in a pursuit, two counts of larceny, interfering with an officer, and reckless endangerment.

He was released after posting a $20,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 1.

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