A suspect who allegedly stole a laptop in Waterbury on Friday morning set off a chain of events that stretched across multiple towns before returning to the city early this morning.

According to preliminary information, the suspect fled Waterbury toward Prospect after the reported theft, then allegedly attempted to steal a vehicle in Bethany while traveling the backroads toward New Haven. During that encounter, the suspect reportedly struck a Connecticut State Police vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Authorities believe the same individual then returned to Waterbury, where a fire broke out early this morning on Sylvan Street. Investigators are now looking into whether the suspect set the blaze before fleeing the area again.( update: Fire has been reported to be unrelated by “other media”)

Police are searching for a black 2020 GMC Sierra pickup truck with New York registration KTM 6247.

This is a developing story. The Waterbury Times will provide updates as more information becomes available.