September 24, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chief Erik Costa, 860-638-4100

PRESS RELEASE - STOLEN MV ARREST

On September 23, 2023 at approximately 8:43pm, Middletown Police Officers were called to the area of 83 Broad Street for the report of a stolen motor vehicle. The owner of the vehicle reported that his 2020 Chevrolet Trax was stolen as he was delivering food in the area. The vehicle was last seen traveling south on Broad Street and the suspect was described as a black male wearing all black clothing. The owner added that his dog, a grey pit bull mix named “Luna”, was in the vehicle at the time of the theft.

The owner told officers that his vehicle was equipped with “On Star” capabilities. Middletown Central Communications contacted On Star and began tracking the vehicle. Dispatch was advised that the vehicle was in the area of Ballfall Road in Middletown. Ofc Sanford located the vehicle traveling north on Ballfall Rd and attempted to stop the suspect. The suspect failed to stop for the officer and engaged him in a brief pursuit. While attempting to stop the vehicle, Ofc Sanford observed the suspect cross the double yellow line multiple times, recklessly pass a number of vehicles at a high rate of speed, and fail to obey multiple red lights in an effort to evade the police.

On Star personnel were able to remotely slow the vehicle down as the suspect entered the Town of Cromwell. Officers were able to catch up the vehicle on Route 372 in Cromwell. The vehicle was remotely disabled as the suspect was attempting to merge onto Route 9 South. The suspect exited the stolen vehicle and engaged officers in a brief foot pursuit. Officers Sanford and Sinclair caught the suspect moments later and arrested him. The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Malik D. Awuah of 212 Martin Street, Apartment 3, in Hartford, CT.

The victim’s dog was no longer in the vehicle. Awuah indicated that he left the dog in the roadway moments after stealing the vehicle. He was not familiar with the area but recalled a large apartment building in the area. Officers suspect the dog was left in the roadway in the area of South Main Street and Pameacha Ave.

Awuah was charged with Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Interfering with an Officer, Engaging Police in a Pursuit, Reckless Driving, and Cruelty to Animals. He was held on a $100,000 surety bond and will be presented in court on September 25, 2023.

To date, the victim’s canine, “Luna”, has not been located. Anyone with information on the dog’s location is encouraged to contact the Middletown Police so “Luna” can be reunited with her owner.