Fairfield burglary suspects crash stolen car while fleeing from cops, police say
FAIRFIELD — Two Bridgeport residents were arrested last week after allegedly trying to break into cars and then fleeing police in a stolen vehicle before crashing into a pole, police say.
Fairfield police Sgt. Jenna Wellington said officers responded to reports of multiple individuals checking vehicle door handles in the area of Moody Avenue and Lynnbrook Road at about 3 a.m. on Jan. 6.
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Wellington said an officer observed a vehicle operating without headlights and attempted to initiate a traffic stop by activating emergency lights. When it became clear the vehicle was not stopping, she said, the officer disengaged, deactivated emergency equipment and did not pursue the vehicle — as state law requires.
Shortly after, Wellington said, the same vehicle crashed into a utility pole and the two occupants fled on foot. She said both suspects were taken into custody after officers searched the area.
Wellington said evidence consistent with vehicle break-ins was recovered, and it was determined that the vehicle involved had been taken from a Bridgeport residence without the owner’s permission.
Wellington said 19-year-old Kmauri Jones was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, third-degree conspiracy to commit burglary, third-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools, larceny of a motor vehicle, second-degree criminal trover and interfering with an officer. She said Jones was held on a $20,000 bond and scheduled to appear in court on the same day.
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According to court documents, Jones is now being held on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to enter a plea in the state Superior Court in Bridgeport on Feb. 18.
Wellington said the other suspect was a 17-year-old Bridgeport resident, adding he was charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools, larceny of a motor vehicle, second-degree criminal trover and interfering with an officer. She said he was released to a parent and appeared in court last Wednesday.
Assistant Principal Dies in Fiery Crash After Allegedly Fleeing Police During Traffic Stop
Jacob Brown crashed his car into the woods before it was engulfed in flames, authorities in Maine said
By
David Chiu is a staff writer, Human Interest, for PEOPLE. A former PEOPLE intern from 2007 to 2008, he has been writing about news and entertainment for over 10 years.
Published on September 16, 2025 02:55PM EDT
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NEED TO KNOW
- Jacob Brown, 34, was killed when his vehicle crashed after he allegedly fled from authorities during a traffic stop on Sept. 13, the Maine State Police said
- Brown served as an assistant principal at Scarborough High School in Maine
- “At the end of the day, a really great life was lost and I think that’s where the focus needs to be,” a family friend said
An assistant high school principal was killed in a car crash in Maine after he allegedly fled from police during a traffic stop, authorities said.
The Maine State Police said that dispatchers received several 911 calls on Saturday, Sept. 13, around 9:30 p.m. local time, about a vehicle moving erratically on I-295 southbound, beginning around Mile Marker 45 in Richmond.
Police added that troopers found the vehicle, a 2021 gray Jeep Wrangler, near Mile Marker 16 southbound in Yarmouth and initiated a traffic stop.
During the stop, the driver, identified as Jacob Brown, 34, of Scarborough, immediately fled at a high rate of speed, MSP stated, prompting troopers to chase after the Jeep Wrangler with emergency lights and sirens on.
Authorities said that as the fleeing vehicle came into view, “it veered off the right side of the roadway, at Mile Marker 13 southbound in Cumberland, crashing into the woods and becoming engulfed in flames,” the department noted.
“Brown, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected a short distance from the vehicle,” according to Maine State Police. “Troopers pulled Brown away from the fire and performed life-saving measures. He was pronounced deceased a short time later.”
Based on a preliminary investigation, authorities suspect that speed and alcohol were factors that contributed to the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
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Scarborough Public Schools superintendent Diane Nadeau shared with PEOPLE a letter she wrote to parents about Brown’s death. He began his career in Scarborough as a middle school teacher in 2014 and then became an assistant principal at Scarborough High School in 2020.
“Throughout his career, Jake left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him,” Nadeau wrote. “He had a natural gift for building meaningful relationships; his fun-loving spirit, warm smile, and steady presence lifted those around him. His impact extended far beyond our schools—he was a respected member of the Scarborough community, the Southern and Central Maine hockey community, and the Maine Principals’ Association through his volunteer work.”
“In every role, Jake exemplified commitment, compassion, and service. He consistently put the needs of others first, leaving a legacy of kindness and connection that will live on in the lives of the many students, staff, families, and community members he touched,” the superintendent added.
Following the news of Brown’s death, the high school shared a letter with students and parents on Sunday, Sept. 14, announcing that no regular classes would be held on Monday, Sept. 15. However, the school would be open for students and staff who would like to seek counseling.
“We will share details about memorial arrangements and other opportunities to honor Mr. Brown as they become available,” the letter stated.
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Brown was also a youth hockey coach, the Portland Press Herald noted.
“My heart just broke,” Norm Gagne, a former Scarborough hockey coach, told CBS affiliate WGME. “I really could not believe that this was happening.”
Gagne added, “He was like a son and I loved him to death.”
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Jillian St. Louis, a family friend, called the incident “unbelievably tragic.”
“I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of judgment and a lot of thoughts imposed on what actually happened,” St. Louis told ABC affiliate WMTW. “Will we truly ever know? I’m not sure. But at the end of the day, a really great life was lost and I think that’s where the focus needs to be.”
Man dies after being struck by car fleeing from Orlando police, troopers say
Updated February 13, 2025 1:11pm EST
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The Brief
-
- An Orlando man was arrested after he allegedly struck a man walking along a street with his car Wednesday night while attempting to flee from police, authorities said.
- Dornell Bargnare was booked into the Orange County jail on charges of resisting without violence and burglary.
- He will face additional charges following the completion of the Florida Highway Patrol’s traffic homicide investigation.
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that left a man dead in Orange County on Wednesday night.
The collision happened as Orlando police were pursuing a car that was attempting to flee from an officer, troopers said.
The suspect, identified as Dornell Bargnare, was taken into custody.
What we know:
Shortly after 7 p.m., a 56-year-old Orlando man was hit by a car while walking near Rio Grande Avenue and Indiana Street.
Troopers said the man was struck by a car that was fleeing from an unmarked Orlando Police Department (OPD) Ford F-150.
The car was reportedly traveling with no headlights or taillights on.
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Bargnare made a sharp turn onto Indiana Street where he lost control, ran off the road and struck a man, before crashing into a utility pole, troopers said.
The OPD pickup truck also made a left turn onto Indiana Street and traveled onto the south curbed shoulder, causing the front tire of the patrol vehicle to collide with the man, according to FHP.
The pedestrian was taken to a local hospital where he died.
Booking photo of Dornell Bargnare (Credit: Orange County jail)
Dornell Bargnare was identified as the driver of the car. The 30-year-old Orlando man ran off after the crash, but was later captured by police.
He was booked into the Orange County jail on charges of resisting without violence and burglary.
Both FHP and OPD said Bargnare could face additional charges following the results of the crash investigation.
What we don’t know:
Further details about what led to the police pursuit were not immediately released.
What they’re saying:
FOX 35 News obtained the following statement from OPD regarding the incident:
“In light of the ongoing investigation, the Orlando Police Department has confirmed that once the traffic investigation is completed, OPD will conduct an internal investigation to determine if any policy violations occurred in connection with the incident. At this time, no further details can be released due to the active status of the investigation.”
The OPD has identified the officer involved in the investigation as Christopher Moulton, who has worked with the department since 2018.
Officials said Moulton is currently on paid administrative leave.
