HIGGANUM ( CT) WFSB -
A New Britain man went in front of a judge Wednesday afternoon after being accused of leading police on early morning chase twice and stealing two cars.
Connecticut State Police spent the early morning hours chasing a suspect on Route 9 through Meriden, with the chase eventually ending in Higganum.
Police told Eyewitness News the pursuit started in Meriden around 3 a.m. when Jose Gonzalez, 22, of Alexander Road stole a red Honda.
The red Honda eventually crashed in the woods near exit 9 on Route 9 south, and Gonzalez fled on foot.
According to police, Gonzalez then stole a pickup truck from a home on Scovile Road in Higganum and fled down Route 154. A trooper threw down stop sticks on Route 154, which Gonzalez rode over.
The stop sticks damaged the truck and allowed police to arrest Gonzalez.
Gonzalez, who has been convicted of felony weapons and drug charges, will appear in Middlesex Superior Court on Wednesday afternoon. He was charged with larceny, criminal trespass, interfering with a police officer, reckless driving, engaging in pursuit and operating while under suspension.
The homeowner on Scovile Road spoke exclusively with Eyewitness News about the incident and even recorded the burglary as it took place.
"Anybody that steals a vehicle from a residence, business, it's not the right thing to do," said the homeowner, who only wanted to be identified as Aaron. "We all work hard for our money."
The truck was a company work vehicle used to transport parts and supplies to job sites, Aaron said.
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