Driver Crashes After Leading Police Pursuit on I-91 in Rocky Hill

# High-Speed Chase on Connecticut Highways Ends in Arrest of Vernon Man

Early Sunday morning, Connecticut State Police engaged in a dangerous high-speed pursuit that began in East Hartford and ended with a crash and arrest in Rocky Hill. The incident involved an allegedly impaired driver from Vernon who faces multiple serious charges after attempting to evade law enforcement on some of the state’s busiest highways, endangering both officers and other motorists.

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How the Chase Unfolded

Just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, what began as a routine traffic stop quickly escalated into a dangerous pursuit across multiple Connecticut communities. A state trooper on patrol first spotted the suspicious vehicle on one of central Connecticut’s major thoroughfares.

Initial Contact in East Hartford

The incident began when a Connecticut State Trooper observed an Acura MDX swerving erratically while traveling eastbound on Route 2 in East Hartford. Concerned about public safety, the trooper activated emergency lights and attempted to initiate a standard traffic stop.

The driver initially pulled over as if complying with the officer’s directives. However, this apparent cooperation was short-lived.

Within moments, the driver suddenly accelerated and fled the scene, forcing the trooper to engage in pursuit.

From Manchester to Wethersfield: The Chase Intensifies

The fleeing Acura exited Route 2 and proceeded to run a red light as it passed through areas near Manchester. The driver’s reckless behavior continued as the vehicle merged onto Interstate 91 South near the Wethersfield town line, significantly escalating the danger to other motorists.

As the chase continued through Hartford County, two additional state troopers joined the pursuit. The officers attempted a tactical maneuver to box in the suspect’s vehicle, hoping to bring the dangerous situation to a controlled end.

Crash and Arrest

The pursuit ended when the suspect’s Acura collided with a police SUV, causing it to spin across the highway before striking a guardrail in the median. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, though the collision caused damage to both vehicles and state infrastructure.

Following the crash, the Vernon resident surrendered to authorities without further incident. Officers on the scene reported that the suspect displayed clear signs of impairment, which likely contributed to both the initial erratic driving and subsequent poor decision-making.