Police in several Connecticut towns are on edge after a gutsy armed carjacking in Vernon. The chase that followed tore through East Hartford and finally wrapped up in Manchester.
It all went down Sunday night. Someone stole a Hyundai Kona at knifepoint and slammed into a police cruiser while making their getaway.
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Cops from Vernon and the surrounding areas are now asking people to help track down the suspect before anything else happens.
Carjacking on Vernon Avenue Leads to Multi-Town Pursuit
Law enforcement said the whole thing started around 9:38 p.m. on Vernon Avenue. The suspect, holding a knife, approached the victim, forced them out of their Hyundai Kona, and took off in the car.
The violence of the crime has left people in Vernon rattled. You can feel the tension—folks are definitely watching their backs a bit more.
From Vernon to East Hartford: A Dangerous Escape
The suspect didn’t exactly slip away quietly. Vernon police quickly alerted nearby towns, including East Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor, Enfield, Hartford, Windsor Locks, and Tolland.
This fast response helped officers keep tabs on the stolen Hyundai as it sped through local roads.
The victim acted quickly, giving police the last known location of the car. Officers spotted the Hyundai on Mercer Avenue in East Hartford, near Silver Lane—a stretch that’s usually pretty busy, which made things even more dangerous for everyone out there that night.
Collision with Police Cruiser in East Hartford
As police tried to stop the car, the suspect hit an East Hartford police cruiser. The crash happened when the Hyundai left Mercer Avenue and turned onto Silver Lane.
The officer in the patrol car wasn’t hurt, and the cruiser only had minor front-end damage. It could have been a lot worse.
Suspect Evades Capture After Crash
Even after that run-in, the suspect got away. The last anyone saw, the Hyundai was heading west on Silver Lane.
Police lost sight of the car as it crossed into Manchester.
Eventually, officers recovered the stolen Hyundai in Manchester. The suspect, though, had vanished.
Detectives think the person ditched the car to avoid getting caught. There’s a good chance they’re hiding out somewhere else in Connecticut.
Public Assistance Sought Across Connecticut
Vernon Police are asking for any tips from the public. If you saw anything odd on Vernon Avenue, Mercer Avenue, or Silver Lane, they want to hear about it.
Even the smallest detail might help them catch the suspect.
Police are also reminding people in places like Bristol, Middletown, and Norwich to stay alert. Criminals don’t care about town lines, and this case just proves that violent crimes can show up anywhere, any time.
Safety Tips Following Carjacking Incident
While police dig deeper into the case, they’ve shared some safety tips:
- Stay alert when you’re getting in or out of your car, especially at night or in quiet spots.
- Lock your doors as soon as you get in.
- Don’t confront someone with a weapon—your safety comes first, so call 911.
- Report anything suspicious to your local police right away.
- Try to park in well-lit or secure lots if you can.
Continuing Investigation
As the investigation unfolds, Vernon police are working closely with East Hartford and Manchester authorities. They’re also reaching out to law enforcement in nearby communities.
The suspect’s brazen actions have raised concerns among officials and residents alike. Right now, the search continues.
If you know anything about this carjacking, please contact the Vernon Police Department right away. Community cooperation really does make a difference in cases like this, and officials say anonymous tips are always welcome.
This incident is a sharp reminder for Connecticut residents—from Hartford’s busy streets to Tolland’s quieter corners. Public safety takes constant vigilance and quick communication between towns.
Here is the source article for this story: Search underway for suspect in Vernon armed carjacking
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