Chicago Men Nabbed in New Rochelle for Smashing Open Saks CT Store with Camry

OPERATION THUNDERCAT: Police Use New Technique to Deflate Tires of Fleeing Suspects on I-95

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (September 2, 2022) — Two Chicago men were arrested overnight, one wanted on multiple warrants from Illinois for violent felonies, following a brazen robbery in downtown Greenwich and a pursuit down I-95 which ended with the pair in custody in New Rochelle.

The arrests were made by New Rochelle police during Operation Thundercat.

Operation Thundercat:

• A new Countywide operation organized by the Westchester County Police to put more resources on duty overnight
• The operation is in part to combat recent thefts of vehicles and catalytic converters
• 90 Police Officers from 27 Police Departments in Westchester County were part of the operation order last night
  

A stolen 2019 Toyota Camry with the two Chicago men was stopped on the interstate after the deployment of spike sticks by Westchester County and New Rochelle police.

New pursuit mitigation techniques:

• Developed by Westchester County Police
• In part, a response to an increase in “failure to comply” by suspects during traffic stops, according to WCPD Spokesperson
• Tire deflation devices known as “spike sticks” or “stop sticks” have not previously been employed in Westchester
• The techniques involve strategies on when and where tire deflation devices can be deployed safely

Greenwich Police Narrative:

• On September 2nd, 2022, at about 3:30 a.m., the Greenwich Police Department was notified that a vehicle had driven into the front doors of a retail store (Saks Fifth Avenue) located at 205 Greenwich Avenue
• The vehicle occupants were reported to be stealing items from within the store
• The suspects used their vehicle, a 2019 Toyota Camry which was stolen from Boston MA, to back through the front doors
• The occupants stole an undetermined amount of merchandise and fled the store
• The suspects were immediately located by Greenwich Police Officers who attempted to stop the fleeing suspects
• The Camry was able to enter onto I-95 southbound
• Greenwich Police Officers were able to coordinate with New York police agencies who spotted the suspects in New York
• New York police agencies were able to get the vehicle to stop
• Two occupants fled the vehicle on foot but were captured a short time later
• Proceeds from the burglary were found in the car
• The Greenwich burglary is still open and burglary and larceny charges are expected to be brought against the two men in Connecticut
  

New Rochelle Police Narrative:

• On September 2nd, 2022, New Rochelle Police were taking part in “Operation Thundercat”
• At about 3:36 a.m., information was received from the Westchester County Police Real Time Crime Center that Greenwich, CT Police were pursuing a vehicle southbound on I-95 for burglarizing a Saks Fifth Avenue store
• New Rochelle Police and Westchester County Police were in the area and were able to use new pursuit mitigation techniques developed by Westchester County Police to safely and successfully deflate the tires of the suspects’ vehicle
• The vehicle came to a stop on I-95 and, after a brief foot pursuit, two suspects were taken into custody by New Rochelle Police
  

Arrests and Charges:

• Alton Jackson, 34 (DOB: 6/29/1986) of Chicago, IL, was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3rd, a D Felony, Criminal Impersonation – 2nd, an A Misdemeanor, Unlawfully Fleeing Police – 3rd degree. an A Misdemeanor, Reckless Driving, a B misdemeanor, Fugitive from Justice with multiple warrants from Illinois for violent felonies
• Mykuan Smith, 28 (DOB: 5/22/1994) of Chicago, IL was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property – 3rd, a D Felony
  

No injuries were reported. No court or bail status information was provided and may be diffused to obtain over the holiday weekend.