HPD: Man in custody after stolen car recovered, children found safe at school

HARTFORD — Police have arrested a 19-year-old East Hartford man after he reportedly stole a car and rammed into police.

Police say a Hartford mother had stopped at a daycare near Barbour Street and Capen Street to drop off a third child just before 9 a.m. According to police, the mother left the two children, an 8-year-old and 9-year-old, in the car.

Within a few seconds, the car was taken by 19-year-old Elijah Jorden. The mother believed the children were still inside the car and called 911.

Police say a patrol officer who knew the area well checked behind the building at 30 Gillett Street where he found the car.  Jorden was still in the car and rammed the police cruiser twice before he was apprehended. According to police, the suspect had a ‘considerable’ amount of marijuana and a gun.

The gun was not pulled on police.

The police also learned soon after that the children were safe. While the mother was inside, one of the children saw the school bus and got on while the other saw a family friend, and took a ride with the friend. One child went to a Hartford school, while the other went to a Bloomfield school.

It’s unsure at this time if the mother faces any charges for leaving the two children in the car.

Jorden was charged with the following:

    • Larceny 3rd
    • Pistol w/o a Permit
    • Possession of a Firearm w/Obliterated Serial Number
    • Weapon in a M/V
    • Assault on Police
    • Interfering w/Police
    • Criminal Trover 2nd
    • Criminal Mischief 1st
    • Possession of Controlled Substance
    • Possession of a Controlled Substance w/Intent to Sell
    • Operating m/v w/o a License