Hartford Man Faces Multiple Charges After Eluding Troopers on I-84 in Tolland
- csppio
- Jan 12
- 2 min read
On January 11, 2026, at approximately 6:40 p.m., a Trooper assigned to Troop C observed a white Nissan Maxima traveling eastbound on I-84 near Exit 67 exhibiting erratic driving behavior, including unsafe lane changes, failure to signal, and difficulty maintaining its lane. A registration check revealed the plate was canceled and registered to a different vehicle. When the Trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Exit 68 in Tolland using emergency lights and siren, the vehicle accelerated, turned off its lights, and drove recklessly through traffic at speeds exceeding 90 mph. In accordance with state pursuit policy and lacking additional units, the Trooper discontinued the pursuit and notified dispatch. Shortly thereafter, a 911 call reported a white vehicle driving at high speed with no lights near Exit 70, increasing concern for public safety.
The vehicle was later spotted by another Trooper in the area of Exits 72–73 in Union. When the Trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle once again fled. Pursuit efforts were discontinued, and shortly thereafter the vehicle lost control while exiting I-84 at Exit 74. The vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree stump, and overturned. The male driver fled on foot but was apprehended approximately 300 meters away by Troopers. The driver, identified as Youry Jawaan Smith (DOB 7/30/2000) of Hartford, was found to be on parole, unlicensed, and showing signs of alcohol impairment. Due to crash-related injuries, full sobriety testing could not be completed; however, indicators observed during some Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, combined with the odor of alcohol and Smith’s driving behavior, established probable cause for operating under the influence. A search of the vehicle revealed suspected marijuana packaged in a quantity consistent with sale, which was seized and submitted as evidence, and multiple alcohol containers.
Smith was transported to the hospital for treatment, then later held at the Hartford Correctional Center on a $100,000 bond for these charges. Smith is scheduled to appear at Rockville Superior Court on 1/12/26.
