Cops: Man Steals Car, Tells Police He Was Driving Drunk Friend Home

Middletown Police have a 31-year-old man in custody after they say he drove off in a car parked in front of the Shadow Room on Main Street early Saturday.

On Sept. 10 at 2:27 a.m., Edwin J. Ortega Jr. of Maple Place was driving a 2000 Dodge Neon on Washington Street, when police stopped him for no headlights. He said he was driving the car home for a friend that was drunk, but the friend went home with another friend, according to the report.

Ortega appeared nervous and told officers he was told by to take the car to a home on Rodgers Road. The resident there said she didn't know him or the friend, police say.

The owner found police and said he left his car in front of the Shadow Room on Main Street and as soon as he got out, Ortega got in and drove away. Ortega's brother told the owner he would get the car back, according to the repot.

Ortega lied repeatedly to officers, including those from New Haven assisting Middletown.

The car's owner said he did not want to press charges.

Ortega was charged with interfering with an officer, illegal operation of motor vehicle under suspense and failure to have lights lit. He is being held on a $2,500 bond.