Bike Getaway Foiled by Stratford Police

A suspected thief was found hiding in the marsh near Short Beach Monday after allegedly leading police on a pursuit through town.

Carlos Ayala faces multiple charges for allegedly swiping a cell phone and wallet from a parked oil tanker that was delivering in the area of Plymouth and Brewster streets around noon on Monday.

Ayala, 33, is accused of taking the items then fleeing on his bike toward Longbrook Park.

“An officer…in the area of Main Street and Elm Terrace saw (the suspect) riding his bicycle recklessly in the roadway weaving in and out of traffic,” police Sgt. Jamie Rivera said in a statement. “As the officer approached the suspect, the suspect fled into the marsh area behind Elm Condominiums.”

Rivera said police set up a perimeter and eventually found Ayala hiding in the marsh just north of Short Beach. Police canine Kahn conducted an article search and found a black bag police said was discarded by Ayala, which contained the cell phone and a GPS unit, Rivera said.

Ayala was charged with third-degree burglary, sixth-degree larceny, two counts of first-degree trespass, two counts of interfering with an officer and second-degree breach of peace.

He was held in lieu of $100,000 bond and is due in court Sept. 25.