Alleged Murderer, Car Thief in Custody

Update: 4:45 p.m.

According to Westport police, Thomas Gardner, 35, of New Bedford Mass., was taken into custody following a lengthy police manhunt this afternoon.

Gardner was arrested at Westport’s Playhouse Square Shopping Center hours after he sped through Westport in a stolen Honda Civic trying to elude police. Gardner crashed into a Bentley Continental GT Convertible while turning onto Compo Road from Post Road East before abandoning the stolen car behind the

The pursuit initiated in Fairfield and continued on Interstate 95 South at speeds near 100 miles per hour before Gardner exited the highway in Westport. 

Westport News is reporting Gardner is wanted for murder in Massachusetts for an incident that took place after a "broken-down real estate deal." 

Update: 4:00 p.m.

This is what was said over the Norwalk police scanner about the suspect, 35-year-old Thomas Gardner:

"Shot his wife. May be suicidal. Still in possession of gun."

-Norwalk Police have a perimeter. They’re searching from Norden office park in East Norwalk north to I-95.

Original Story:

At about 11:30 a.m. Westport Police were advised that Fairfield officers were engaged in a pursuit of a stolen vehicle heading south on I-95.

The pursuit exited the highway at exit 18 and continued on local streets. The lone occupant fled the vehicle on foot after it became disabled in the lot of the . Both Westport and Fairfield officers set up a perimeter and multiple canine units were called in to locate the suspect. The search is ongoing at this time.

Information has been developed from authorities in Massachusetts (the origin of the vehicle theft) that the operator of the vehicle and the suspect currently being sought is as follows:

35-year-old Thomas Gardner, described as a white male, 5’8” tall, slim build, wearing blue jeans and a dark shirt.

At this point Gardner is wanted in connection with the disappearance of the owner of the stolen vehicle that he was operating in Massachusetts as well as multiple charges in local jurisdictions.

If anyone observes Gardner please contact the immediately. Do not approach this individual.