17-year-old arrested in connection with murder in 2023 after being caught driving stolen car

WATERBURY, CT (WFSB) – A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection with a 2023 murder after he was caught driving a stolen vehicle.

On Wednesday, officers patrolling the area of ​​425 West Main Street noticed a 2012 Hyundai Elantra, allegedly stolen from New Haven, driving in front of their patrol car.

Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver backed the vehicle into the patrol car, crashed into another car and eventually came to a stop.

Both occupants were arrested on site.

The passenger, identified as 22-year-old Amari Harris of Waterbury, is charged with theft of a motor vehicle and obstructing an officer.

She was released on $5,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on October 29, 2024.

The driver, a 17-year-old male from Hartford, faces a number of serious charges including theft of a motor vehicle, first-degree criminal vagrancy, first-degree criminal trespass, obstructing an officer, reckless endangerment, assault and battery in pursuit of police and multiple felony counts connection with motor vehicles.

Further investigation revealed that the juvenile is also wanted in connection with the murder of 18-year-old Joseph Zavala, which occurred on November 18, 2023 near North Main Street and Kingsbury Street in Waterbury.

He is charged with conspiracy to commit murder, murder, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful discharge of a firearm and first-degree reckless endangerment.

According to police, this is the fifth arrest in the ongoing investigation into Zavala’s murder.

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