East Haven Man Accused Of Stealing Car Arrested At Highway Rest Area: Southington Police

EAST HAVEN, CT — An East Haven man accused of stealing a car was arrested last week at a highway rest area in Southington after attempting to flee from officers, according to Southingtonpolice.

In a news release, police said officers were called to the southern end of town on Nov. 12 after receiving information that a stolen silver Toyota Corolla with out of state registration was approaching Southington from Cheshire.

Officers spotted the Toyota parked at a rest area off of Interstate 84 westbound with a driver and passenger inside, police said.

When officers converged on the vehicle, the driver attempted to flee and impacted police vehicles, according to police.

Once the driver realized the car was immobilized, he and the passenger complied with officers’ commands and were arrested without further incident, according to police.

No injuries were reported and some vehicles were minimally damaged, police said.

The driver was identified as Michael Anastasio, 36, of East Haven. He was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle (second offense), third-degree larceny, first-degree criminal trover, possession of burglary tools and interfering with an officer.

His bond was set at $50,000 and he was scheduled to appear in court the following day, according to police.