Vigilant Milton Resident Helps Police Recover 2 Stolen Vehicles

MILTON, MA — A vigilant resident and a Milton police pursuit helped break up an organized vehicle theft ring that targeted the town in July.

Milton police said two stolen vehicles were recovered, and two juveniles arrested, with the help of the resident and police action.

Police said the resident saw a Honda CRV apparently getting stolen from a driveway on Thacher Street on July 19 and followed the Honda as it appeared to be traveling in tandem with a Nissan. Milton officer Patrick Nee tried to stop both vehicle on Randolph Avenue and pursued the Nissan when neither stopped.

Nee followed the Nissan onto a side street near Wollaston Golf Club where both the passenger and driver got out of the car and attempted to flee. The car, which was not placed in park, continued along until hitting a stone wall. The Nissan was identified as having been reported stolen from Brockton earlier in the day.

Milton Lt. Charles Caputo ran after the suspects and caught the 17-year-old driver from Brockton, who was charged with receiving a stolen vehicle, refusing to stop for a police officer and operating to endanger. The driver, who was listed as missing by Brockton police, was also booked on an outstanding warrant from Plymouth Juvenile Court.

Milton Officer John Binda caught the 15-year-old passenger, who was identified and released without being charged.

Police said the resident followed the Honda stolen from Thacher Street to Quarry Lane where the two occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled into Quarry Hills, and remain at-large.