The 64-year-old victim, known as Pearl to family and friends, suffered severe injuries and has a long road to recovery.
She had left her car running while picking up an order from a restaurant on Post Road in Westport around 7 p.m. on March 5 when she noticed a man entering her unlocked car.
She ran outside and attempted to prevent the theft and suffered a head injury as a result, and the suspect made off with her white Hyundai.
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"She's in pretty bad shape," said her sister, Mary Sheridan, who hasn't left her bedside all week. "She thought he was trying to steal her phone out of the car, like reaching in her car, and she went to say, 'What are you doing?' and he hit her."
Officers learned that the person who stole the car was seen getting out of a black Acura moments before the theft, and both cars were last seen traveling together westbound on Post Road East.
An officer who was stationed on the Sherwood Island Connector saw both vehicles traveling together, getting onto I-95 heading towards Bridgeport.
The officer activated his lights and siren in an attempt to get the cars to pull over, but both fled. A pursuit ensued, during which the officer lost sight of the stolen Hyundai but continued to follow the black Acura.
Police said the driver exited at Exit 29 in Bridgeport before losing control hitting an occupied vehicle as well as several parked cars.
Two occupants ran from the Acura, while a third was detained by the pursuing officer.
Bridgeport police were able to quickly apprehend the two people that ran.
The Acura had been reported stolen from Hamden earlier that day, and a handgun was found inside.
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Giovanni Abreu, 18, and two juveniles were taken into custody and charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, assault, larceny, criminal possession of a firearm, illegal transfer of a firearm, theft of a firearm, engaging police in a pursuit, and reckless driving.
Pearl's injuries include multiple micro-fractures to her arm and hip, along with brain swelling that is affecting some cognitive function but not expected to be permanent.
Sheridan says the goal is to move her to a rehab facility.
On Friday morning, police announced the arrest of 18-year-old Tayvion Hart, alleging him to be the man who stole the Hyundai and evaded police.
Hart was also found to have an outstanding unrelated warrant in New Haven.
Westport's Zoning Commission Chair Danielle Dobin doesn't know Pearl, but she started a GoFundMe page that has now raised over $30,000 after learning Pearl did not have health insurance.
"I was moved to tears...by the way in which people stepped up to be supportive," Dobin said. "But of course, given the severity of her injuries and the fact that she cannot return to work."
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