Putnam/Thompson, CT — The detection of a stolen vehicle’s license plate by a Flock License Plate Reader (LPR) led to a high-speed pursuit on I-395 into Thompson on Tuesday afternoon. An 18-year-old Brooklyn man and two minors were apprehended after the vehicle began smoking and caught fire.
According to the Putnam Police Department, at approximately 4:12 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, officers received a notification from the Flock LPR camera on School Street (Route 44) indicating that a stolen vehicle had just passed. The vehicle, a white 2020 Kia Sportage, had been reported stolen from Marshall Street sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning. A shotgun was reported to be inside the vehicle at the time it was taken.
Officers immediately responded to the area and observed the vehicle turning onto I-395 North. A traffic stop was initiated once the vehicle entered the highway. Although the vehicle briefly pulled over, it fled before officers could approach. A pursuit was then initiated by the Putnam Police Department, with Connecticut State Troopers responding to assist.
The pursuit reportedly continued northbound on I-395, with speeds reaching approximately 100 mph before the vehicle exited at Exit 49 (Riverside Drive). The vehicle then traveled onto Thompson Hill Road (Route 200), Murolo Road, and Buckley Hill Road North. As the vehicle crossed the railroad tracks on Buckley Hill Road, it sustained unknown damage and began to smoke heavily.
The pursuit continued as the vehicle re-entered Riverside Drive and approached the Quinebaug Road intersection, where it came to a stop, still heavily smoking, and became engulfed in flames.
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Putnam Police stated that once the vehicle stopped, K-9 Spike was utilized to encourage the three occupants to surrender peacefully. The 18-year-old Brooklyn man was identified as the driver and taken into custody. A 15-year-old and a 17-year-old were passengers in the vehicle and were detained. It is unclear at this time whether the minors will face charges.
The 18-year-old is being held on a $25,000 cash/surety bond and faces the following charges:
- Larceny 2nd Degree (Motor Vehicle)
- Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree
- Risk of Injury to a Minor
- Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree
- Larceny 6th Degree by Possession (Firearm)
- Engaging in Pursuit
- Reckless Driving
- Operating Without a License
The Community Fire Company and Quinebaug Volunteer Fire Department responded to extinguish the vehicle fire. No injuries were reported. After the fire was extinguished, the missing shotgun was located inside the vehicle.
Quiet Corner Alerts maintains a policy of not revealing the names of victims or suspects unless they are actively being sought by law enforcement or pose a perceived threat to the public.