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

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

On Wednesday, officers patrolling the area of 425 West Main Street noticed a 2012 Hyundai Elantra, reportedly stolen from New Haven, traveling in front of their cruiser.

Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver reversed the vehicle and entered the police cruiser, hit another car and finally stopped.

The two occupants were arrested at the scene.

The passenger, identified as 22-year-old Amari Harris of Waterbury, faces charges of theft of a motor vehicle and interfering with a police 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 man from Hartford, faces a number of serious charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, discovery of a felony in the first degree, criminal mischief in the first degree, interfering with a police officer, reckless endangerment, involving police in pursuit and various motor vehicle crimes.

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

He was charged with conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal discharge of a firearm and first-degree reckless endangerment.

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