On 09/16/2024, at approximately 2:27 a.m., Troop H dispatch was advised that Windsor Locks Police (WLPD) were in pursuit of a vehicle allegedly involved in attempted auto parts thefts in their town. WLPD went on to explain that the vehicle, identified as a gray Mini Cooper, was occupied by multiple occupants. Additionally, WLPD explained that the complainant alleged that the occupants had displayed a firearm.
Troop H dispatch was advised that WLPD was actively following the Mini Cooper onto I-91 southbound from the Exit 42 entrance ramp. As Troopers began responding to assist in stopping the vehicle, WLPD advised Troop H that they lost sight of the vehicle after it had exited the Exit 37 off ramp in Windsor. Windsor Police Department, Windsor Locks Police Department and State Troopers searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Shortly thereafter, Windsor Police observed the Mini Cooper on I-91 southbound prior to Exit 34, but lost sight of the vehicle again in the area of Exit 33. Troopers posted on the highway south of that location did not see the Mini Cooper pass their location.
A Trooper checking the area of the Exit 39A ramp from I-84 west to Route 9 south observed the gray Mini Cooper traveling at a high rate of speed and passing other vehicles. The Trooper observed the vehicle on the Exit 39 ramp from Route 9 south in West Hartford and advised Troop H dispatch that he was following the suspect vehicle.
The Trooper observed that the operator of the Mini Cooper was on local roads traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph. After confirming that backup officers were enroute, the Trooper initiated a motor vehicle stop by activating their cruiser’s lights and sirens. The vehicle continued in an easterly direction on New Britain Avenue, disregarded the traffic light at the intersection of New Britain Ave and S. Main Street, and entered into the city of Hartford.
In the vicinity of Monroe Street and Cheshire Street, the Mini Cooper came to a brief stop and the front seat passenger opened the door, before the vehicle continued on. At one point during the pursuit, the vehicle was traveling on Charter Oak Avenue, and Troopers observed items being thrown from the vehicle.
Troopers then attempted to box-in the vehicle to slow it down and safely bring it to a stop. During the maneuver, the Mini Cooper struck one of the State Police cruisers and the operator of the Mini Cooper began to lose control of the vehicle. The Mini Cooper then turned onto Buckingham Street, where Troopers were able to bring it to a complete stop. Troopers were not injured as a result of the collision.
Four occupants exited the Mini Cooper and attempted to flee on foot. A male was observed exiting from the front driver’s side door and, following a Taser deployment, the male, later identified as Johquan Repton Angol, DOB 09/27/1995, of Hartford, was taken into custody.
A female occupant of the vehicle also engaged Troopers in a foot pursuit. A taser was unsuccessfully deployed. However, Troopers were able to secure the female, later identified as Cristalee Ivette Melendez, DOB 04/13/1999, of Hartford, and take her into custody.
Investigators conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area but were unable to locate the two other occupants seen fleeing from the vehicle.
While interacting with Angol at the scene, investigating Troopers detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Angol’s person.
During a search of the Mini Cooper, the odor of an alcoholic beverage was found to be emanating from a beverage cup in the center console.
Additionally, Troopers identified items within the Mini Cooper believed to be connected to the alleged incident in Windsor Locks. These items were secured and processed as evidence.
Both Angol and Melendez were transported to an area hospital by ambulance for evaluation. Following their medical evaluations, both Angol and Melendez were transported to Troop H for arrest processing.
Based on observations of Angol's driving performance, the odor of an alcoholic beverage, admissions and other signs of impairment, it was determined he had been operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Angol was processed and charged with the following violations:
C.G.S 14-146, Throwing Objects From a Motor Vehicle (3 counts)
C.G.S 14-227a, Operating Under the Influence
C.G.S 14-299, Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Signal
C.G.S 53a-60d*, Assault in the Second Degree with a Motor Vehicle
C.G.S 14-223(b)**, Engaging Police in Pursuit
C.G.S 14-239(a), Driving the Wrong Way
C.G.S 14-147(c), Misuse Registration
C.G.S 14-222, Reckless Driving
C.G.S 53a-167a, Interfering With an Officer
C.G.S 53a-63, Reckless Endangerment
Angol was held on a $100,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled for arraignment at Hartford Superior Court on 09/16/2024.
Melendez was processed and charged with the following violation:
C.G.S 53a-167a Interfering with an Officer.
Melendez was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled for arraignment at Hartford Superior Court on 10/11/2024.
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