Newtown Police apprehended an alleged car thief last Sunday and charged him with 11 violations following an extended cat and mouse car and foot chase.

At approximately 11:37 am July 7, officers of Newtown Police Department performed a traffic stop on Toddy Hill Road. The vehicle was operated by Joao Almeida-Bastos, 21, of Danbury.

As the officer exited his cruiser, Almeida-Bastos conducted a U-turn and accelerated northbound on Toddy Hill Road. The vehicle then left the southbound shoulder of the roadway and crashed at the intersection with Turkey Roost Road.

Almeida-Bastos exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Further investigation revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen in Danbury several days earlier.

Newtown PD along with Connecticut State Police and multiple police K9s conducted a search including the neighborhoods of Clearview Drive, Hitfield Road, Mile Hill Road South, and South Main Street. The search was assisted by phone calls from multiple Newtown citizens who observed Almeida-Bastos. The calls reportedly provided valuable information including location and description.

Almeida-Bastos was arrested at approximately 2:52 pm, after a Toddy Hill Road resident observed him in their backyard, attempting to open the back door of the home. Entry was unsuccessful because the door was locked.

Following his arrest, Almeida-Bastos was evaluated at Danbury Hospital for multiple cuts and lacerations receeived while running through the woods. He was charged with four felonies: criminal attempt at second-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree criminal trover, and larceny of a motor vehicle-first offense.

He was additionally charged with two misdemeanors — use of a motor vehicle without permission and interfering with an officer/resisting arrest — as well as improper use of marker plates, reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, improper turn, operating a motor vehicle without a license.

Almeida-Bastos was held on a $100,000 bond with a court date of July 8 at Danbury Superior Court. The case has been continued to July 31, according to the CT Judicial Branch website. He is being represented by a public defender.

Newtown Police Lt Scott Smith said the local department was “grateful for the assistance of the Connecticut State Police and the multiple citizens who provided valuable information.”