WESTPORT — Three would-be thieves trying to break into a vehicle in the driveway of a Compo Beach area home early Tuesday were apprehended — two of them hiding in marshland — after a cat-and-mouse chase trying to elude police roadblocks, police said.

A 19-year-old male from Naugatuck and two juveniles face a series of charges in connection with the incident.

Police were dispatched to a home in the Compo Beach area shortly before 12:45 a.m. Tuesday after a homeowner reported that his doorbell’s camera was activated by someone who had entered his vehicle parked in the driveway.

A dark-colored vehicle also was waiting nearby the home, the complainant told police.

Officers dispatched in response to the report quickly set up a perimeter around the area of Hillspoint Road, Greens Farms Road and Compo Road South to box in the suspects fleeing from the scene.

The suspects’ getaway vehicle first was spotted by an officer on Mimi Lane, but fled from an attempted traffic stop.

An officer stationed at the intersection of Hillspoint and Greens Farms roads, anticipating the fleeing vehicle was headed that way, positioned stop sticks on the street surface to deflate the vehicle’s tires.

The suspects sped through the intersection and headed east on Greens Farms Road, police said, and were observed entering Sherwood Island State Park by another officer.

The officer realized the suspects’ vehicle would have to re-emerge from the park entrance since the main gates were closed. A short time later, as the vehicle left the park and attempted to enter Interstate 95 northbound at the Exit 18 junction, it came to a halt because of its flat tires.

The three suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.

The 19-year-old — identified as Willie Redd — and a juvenile were nabbed by pursuing officers as they tried to hide in marshy water south of I-95, according to the report.

The third suspect, another juvenile, was apprehended by Metropolitan Transportation Authority police in the Clayton Place area.

Officers from State police, Fairfield police and the Wilton police K-9 unit also assisted in the operation.

All three suspects were transported to Police Department headquarters where they were formally charged.

Redd was charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, engaging in pursuit, conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary and interfering with a police officer.

He was released after posting bond set at $15,000, and is scheduled to be arraigned April 11 at state Superior Court in Stamford.

The two juveniles were charged with conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary and interfering with a police officer.

They both were released to the custody of their families.

In a statement about the incident, Westport police repeated their reminder that residents should routinely lock their vehicles and not leave valuables behind.

Other crime-prevention steps that police recommend include installation of alarm/surveillance systems and exterior lighting for nighttime use.