Car Thieves, Car Chases, Armed Robbery Arrests and Manhunt in Rye

RYE, NY — The normally sleepy streets of Rye were uncommonly active for police overnight on Tuesday and Wednesday.

On Tuesday, police were alerted to a possible stolen car by the high-tech Westchester County Real Time Crime Center. The vehicle was traveling near the Rye border with Port Chester, but when Rye police tried to stop the car, a chase ensued.

The pursuit ended when the car crashed near Stuyvesant Avenue and Old Milton Road. One suspect in the vehicle was taken into custody immediately, but another suspect in the car managed to escape on foot. Police credit an observant neighbor, who reported a suspicious person in a nearby residential area, with helping officers to quickly capture the fugitive.

It was later discovered that both of the suspects were wanted in connection with armed robberies in another area.

The following night, just before 3 a.m., a vigilant resident once again helped Rye police to put the brakes on a car theft in progress. A call about suspicious activity outside of a local man’s home resulted in the arrest of two minors and one adult.

The three were taken into custody on suspicion of breaking into cars in the neighborhood. They were also said to be in possession of a stolen car at the time of their arrest.

Over the two wild nights this week, Rye Police arrested five suspected car thieves. The suspects ranged in age from 15 to 20 years old.

“First, we want to commend our officers for performing their duties at an exceptional level, always,” Detective Commander Michael Anfuso said in a statement thanking the public for their assistance. “Our officers go above and beyond to keep our city safe. No injuries to our officers or suspects during these incidents. We encourage our residents to be on the lookout for suspicious activities that are uncommon in their neighborhoods. Lastly, we want to thank our residents for their continued support. We will continue to ensure the safety of our residents and our city.”

Anfuso wrote that while police diligently patrol the town in the overnight hours, there is still a lot more the public can do to keep themselves and their neighbors safe from crime by making their property a less attractive target for criminals — especially when it comes to vehicle thefts. He urged Rye residents to remove valuables from cars at night, always lock their cars, not leave keys in vehicles and to call police if there is anything or anyone suspicious in the area.

He emphasized that civilians should never approach or confront suspects, but should instead always wait for police to arrive.