Early Wednesday morning just after midnight, Rye PD responded to the area of Forest Avenue and Playland Parkway after being notified of a stolen white Mazda car out of North Branford, Connecticut.
Rye officers initiated a traffic stop and the driver of the Mazda sped off, initiating a chase. In the middle of the chase, a Lincoln Aviator car that was stolen from Eve Lane (off Forest Avenue) crashed into the Rye PD cruiser at the intersection of Midland Avenue and Peck Avenue. The Aviator had not yet been reported stolen.
The stolen Mazda from Connecticut picked up the occupants who had been in the Lincoln Aviator and fled on I-95 Northbound into Connecticut. The officer in the Rye PD cruiser crash did not suffer any serious injuries.
The stolen Lincoln Aviator car from Eve Lane was unlocked with the keys in the center console at the time of the theft. Leaving cars unlocked and keys or fobs in a car has been a continual issue in the City. The PD is imploring residents to lock their vehicles and bring all keys and fobs inside.
