High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Crash, Fugitive Captured

Webster, MA/Thompson, CT – A suspect fleeing a terminated high-speed pursuit crashed attempting to exit I-395 in Thompson Saturday evening.

At approximately 5:20 p.m. on Saturday, December 30th, 2023 a Webster Police Officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in the area of Thompson Rd and I-395. The vehicle began to stop and then fled at a high rate of speed. The officer initiated a pursuit on I-395 Southbound where the vehicle reportedly reached speeds over 110mph. The pursuit was immediately terminated when the vehicle crossed the Connecticut state line.

The Webster Officer continued to Exit 53 (Wilsonville Rd, Thompson, CT), likely using the exit to turn back towards Webster when he spotted the vehicle crashed approximately 30′ up a hill into the woods. Connecticut State Police (CSP) Troop D and additional Webster units were immediately notified.

As CSP Troopers responded to the scene, officers on the scene were alerted that the occupant had fled the vehicle and was running down Wilsonville Rd. A brief foot pursuit was initiated before the suspect entered a heavily wooded area, heading towards Lowell Davis Rd, and the decision was made to wait for a CSP K9 before following the suspect.

According to the Connecticut State Police, K9 Drago (Troop C) was requested to assist in locating the suspect. Following a K9 track the suspect was located and taken into custody after a brief struggle.

The State Police went on to say the suspect had a Nationwide Extraditable Warrant for Assault With Intent to Murder and numerous firearm charges out of Worcester, Massachusetts. The suspect was placed under arrest as a fugitive from justice and numerous other Connecticut violations.

During the incident, the East Thompson Volunteer Fire Department and Putnam EMS stood by a safe distance from the scene to provide medical support. When the suspect was apprehended units were brought to the scene to evaluate the suspect and assist with vehicle removal.

Agencies that responded included the Webster Police Department, Connecticut State Police Troops D and C, the East Thompson Volunteer Fire Department, and Putnam EMS.