OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Old Saybrook Police arrested two suspects accused of robbing the town's Super Stop and Shop and leading police on a multi-town highway car chase that ended in Cromwell.
An employee called police around 5 p.m. Thursday to report a woman, later identified as Jessica Maloney, 40, of Southington, was stealing merchandise from the store.
When confronted by store security, Maloney allegedly brandished a taser and activated the taser in the direction of the store employee, police said.
Maloney then is accused of entering a car that was waiting in the parking lot and then fled. Thomas Kaczmarski, 47, of New Britain, was driving the getaway car, police said.
Old Saybrook Police Officers intercepted the vehicle at Route One and Ingham Hill Road and attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop. The car failed to stop and instead engaged Old Saybrook Police Officers in pursuit.
The pursuit continued West on Route One, then on to Rt. 166 (Spencer Plains Road) and continued onto I-95 North. The pursuit continued from Exit 66, over the Baldwin Bridge, when the offending vehicle exited the highway at Exit 70 in Old Lyme.
The vehicle continued to engage police officers in pursuit, entering I-95 South and then onto Route 9 North.
The pursuit continued North on Route 9. The vehicle exited Route 9 at exit 18 in Cromwell. Kaczmarski allegedly fled on foot after leaving the vehicle on Wall Street in Cromwell.
Old Saybrook Police pursued Kaczmarski on foot, brought him to a stop, and took him into custody. Maloney was taken out of the vehicle and placed under arrest without incident.
Maloney was arrested and charged with first degree carrying a dangerous weapon, first degree robbery, second degree threatening, sixth degree larceny, larceny by possession, possession of narcotics, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, and interfering with a police officer. She is being held on $250,000 bond.
Additionally, Maloney was found to have outstanding arrest warrants held by Middletown, Hartford, and Troop H.
Middletown’s arrest warrant charges her with criminal impersonation, interfering with police, operating a motor vehicle while under suspension, and disobeying an officer’s signal. Hartford’s arrest warrant charges Maloney with interfering with police and Troop H’s arrest warrant charges her with interfering with police and violation of probation.
Kaczmarski was arrested and charged with engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both, drinking while driving, throwing items while driving (at police officers), possession of weapons in a motor vehicle, first degree conspiracy to commit robbery, sixth degree conspiracy to commit larceny, interfering with a police officer, possession of narcotics, and possession of narcotic paraphernalia. Kaczmarski is being held on a $150,000 Bond.
“This evening’s incident highlights the dangers that are present in society and how law enforcement does not hesitate to place themselves at risk to ensure that we maintain both the safety and quality of life our residents and visitors expect," Chief of Police Michael A. Spera said in a written statement. “We will not tolerate this type of criminal behavior in Old Saybrook, I am very proud of our Police Officers.”