Police say a 60‑year‑old man from Plainfield attempted to evade a traffic stop on Main Street in Middletown on Monday, resulting in a chaotic chase that endangered dozens of residents.
Police stop turns into sidewalk chase
Members of the Middletown Police Street Crime Unit initiated a motor‑vehicle stop near the intersection of Main and Court Streets. After the officer pulled the suspect’s vehicle into a parking stall, detectives approached on foot. Instead of complying, the driver accelerated forward, crossing the curb onto the Main Street sidewalk.
Witnesses reported the vehicle striking the sidewalk, popping several tires and damaging structures along the path. The suspect then drove north on the sidewalk before re‑entering Main Street and continuing his flight.
Multiple occupants harmed
According to investigators, one passenger in the suspect’s car feared for his life and leapt from the vehicle. A second passenger was unable to exit. After the suspect left Middletown, Cromwell Police located the vehicle in their town, where it had been disabled after tearing through several residential yards.
Authorities later determined the driver had struck approximately seven occupied vehicles during his escape.
Arrest and charges
The suspect was apprehended and taken into custody. He now faces a slate of charges, including multiple motor‑vehicle violations, evading responsibility, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, unlawful restraint, and two counts of kidnapping. Bail was set at a total of $1,033,500.
In addition to the current case, police disclosed that the man had several outstanding warrants for failure to appear in court on prior arrests.
Community impact
The incident has raised concerns among Middletown residents about public safety and the need for swift law‑enforcement response. Local officials emphasized that protecting families and upholding the rule of law remain top priorities for the department.
Police continue to investigate the full scope of the incident and are urging anyone with additional information or video footage to contact the Middletown Police Department.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
