Vernon Man Arrested for DUI; Assault on Public Safety Following Pursuit on I-91 in Rocky Hill
- csppio
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
On Sunday, 05/04/25, at approximately 12:50 AM, a Trooper assigned to Troop H- Hartford was patrolling I-84 eastbound to Route 2 eastbound in East Hartford. The Trooper observed a black Acura MDX sport utility vehicle traveling in front of them, and upon negotiating the exit ramp to Route 2, began to observe the operator of the MDX failing to maintain their established lane. The Trooper observed the Acura sharply swerve over the solid white
line of the shoulder followed by an over-correction with the vehicle traveling between the right and left lane. Once on Route 2, the Trooper observed that the vehicle was continuously drifting from its lane. It was at this time that the Trooper activated their emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop.
Initially, the operator of the Acura appeared to be complying with the directive to stop as the operator began to reduce speed and move to the right side of the roadway. Immediately thereafter, the operator began to increase speed and continue driving, disregarding the signal to stop. The Trooper radioed into Troop H, advised of the situation and continued to follow the vehicle as it continued east on Route 2, with speeds ranging between 60-70 mph. The vehicle then exited Route 2 and cut across to Route 3 south, disregarding a red light. The vehicle eventually proceeded onto I-91 southbound from Route 3.
Upon approaching exit 24 on I-91 southbound, two additional Troopers joined the pursuit. The Troopers attempted to box in the vehicle and slowly bring it to a stop in the shoulder, however the operator refused to comply and attempted to drive out of the box in. The operator attempted to drive around the box in by going off road past the right shoulder, and upon doing so collided with the right side of the lead cruiser. The collision caused the operator to lose control, at which point the Acura spun out across the highway and collided with the wire rope guardrail in the center median.
The operator of the vehicle surrendered to Troopers at this point and was arrested. The operator was positively identified as Daniel Henderson (DOB 11/27/96), of Vernon. Henderson initially explained that he was not injured as a result of the accident. Troopers observed clear signs of impairment, to include pinpoint pupils and profuse sweating consistent with narcotics use. Henderson's license was also determined to be under suspension.
Upon transporting Henderson to Troop H for processing, he complained of pain and an ambulance was requested to respond to Troop H. During transport, Henderson admitted that he was using a cell phone during the pursuit and was not wearing his seatbelt. Henderson was transferred to an ambulance upon arrival at Troop H and was transported to an area hospital for treatment while in State Police custody.
Henderson was later processed on the following charges:
CGS 14-100a(c)(1); Failure to Wear Seatbelt
CGS 14-215; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under Suspension
CGS 14-222; Reckless Driving
CGS 14-223(b)**; Engaging Police in Pursuit
CGS 14-227a; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
CGS 14-236; Failure to Maintain Proper Lane- Limited Access Highway
CGS 14-283(e); Failure to Stop on the Right Side of the Roadway
CGS 14-296aa(b1st; Operation of a Motor Vehicle Using Handheld Electronic Device
CGS 14-299; Failure to Obey Traffic Control Signal
CGS 14-36(a); Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a License
CGS 14-98a; Operating a Motor Vehicle with Unsafe Tires
CGS 14-99g(b); Tinted Auto Glass Requirements
CGS 53a-167a; Interfering with an Officer/Resisting
CGS 53a-167c; Assault on Public Safety Personnel
CGS 53a-63; Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree
Henderson was held on a $50,000 bond and was later surrendered to Department of Correction custody. Henderson is scheduled to appear at Manchester Superior Court on 05/05/25. Please see the attached video & criminal information summary.
