Suspected vehicle thief sought after escape from hospital in Meriden

MERIDEN, CT (WFSB) - A suspected vehicle thief who had been receiving treatment from a hospital in Meriden and escaped custody was arrested on Sunday.

Michael Zimmitti was initially arrested in Cheshire on Wednesday on charges of larceny of a motor vehicle and illegal use of a payment card.

He was being held on a $100,000 court-set bond.

“While at Mid-State Medical Center in Meriden receiving treatment, Zimmitti escaped from custody and is still at large,” according to the Cheshire Police Department. “An arrest affidavit for escape from custody is being prepared.”

In addition to charges with the Cheshire police, Zimmitti had an outstanding warrant out of Meriden for third-degree robbery, second-degree breach of peace and fifth-degree criminal attempt to commit larceny.

Zimmitti was described as standing 5′9″ and weighing 130 pounds. He has blue eyes and brown hair. Police said he also has several tattoos all over his body.

He is now being held on a $200,000 court-set bond.

Zimmitti was charged with interfering with an officer along with possession of drug paraphernalia, and held on an additional 50,000 bond for these charges.

If unable to post bond, Zimmitti will be transported to Meriden Superior Court on Tuesday May 30.

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