On 4/23/24, a Trooper assigned to the CT State Police Traffic Unit was stopped at a red light in traffic on Buckland Hills Dr at its intersection with Buckland St in the Town of
Manchester. The Trooper observed a motorcyclist on a Suzuki weaving through the traffic while straddling the center dividing lines in order to obtain a position towards the front of the stopped traffic.
The Trooper was able to see the operator and his appearance as well as document the registration plate as the operator committed these traffic violations.
As the light cycled to green, the Trooper observed the motorcyclist as he continued across Buckland St and traveled westbound on Pleasant Valley Rd where he then entered the I-84 westbound connector ramp. The motorcyclist/accused was tailgating other vehicles and passing unsafely. Once the connector opened up into two lanes towards the split of I-84 w/b and I-384, the operator accelerated to speeds in excess of 100 mph.
The Trooper, who was seemingly undetected and in a vehicle designed for the detection of erratic drivers, clocked the motorcycle as it entered I-84 westbound and maintained speeds at or above 100 mph. The Trooper then activated his lights/siren behind the accused in an attempt to conduct a motor vehicle stop. Instead of pulling over, the accused accelerated on I-84 w/b prior to Exit 58 and reached speeds in excess of 130 mph.
Because of the dangers a pursuit would have posed to the accused and the public, the Trooper did not follow the accused any further. Investigation revealed the photograph of the motorcycle's registered owner matched the description of the accused at the time of this incident. Further investigation revealed the accused had an arrest history related to reckless driving.
It was discovered the accused lived in the City of New Britain. On the morning of 4/24/2024, Troopers assigned to the CT State Police Traffic Unit, Troop H, and
an Officer with the New Britain Police Department descended upon the accused's address. The accused was cooperative and admitted that he was the operator of the motorcycle during this incident. It was also discovered the accused did not have the proper license endorsement to operate a motorcycle.
The accused was charged with violations of the following CT General Statutes:
1. CGS 14-222, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle;
2. CGS 14-223, Engaging Police in a Pursuit/Failure to Obey Signal of an Officer;
3. CGS 14-236, Failure to Maintain Proper Lane;
4. CGS 14-36a, Failure to have Proper License/Endorsement.
The accused was issued a $5,000.00 non-surety bond and scheduled to appear at GA-12
Manchester Superior Court on 5/9/2024 at 0900 hrs.