Branford Man Allegedly Leads Police on Wild Chase Before Crashing Into Oncoming I-95 Traffic

A Branford man was arrested in New Haven after he allegedly rammed a police cruiser in an attempt to escape from East Rock Park Sunday.

New Haven Officer Edward Douglas went to the summit of East Rock Park Sunday and went to notify the occupants of a vehicle that it was sundown and the park was closed, said Officer David Hartman, police spokesman.

Douglas then noticed that the two occupants were smoking heroin, according to Hartman.

The operator, Robert Salatto, 42, of Branford tried driving off, but Douglas’ cruiser was parked behind Salatto’s Mercedes. He drove his Mercedes into the cruiser in an attempt to escape.

Douglas jumped back into his cruiser and Salatto allegedly rammed it again and then drove down the rock.

Hamden officers responded and met Salatto at the park gate. Salatto got out of the car briefly, but then jumped back in and took off, Hartman said.

He fled onto I-91 southbound and drove to the Fair Haven neighborhood in New Haven.

State and New Haven police joined the pursuit as Salatto went on I-95 northbound, Hartman said. He exited and entered the highway again in Branford and prepared to return to New Haven.

He exited I-95 southbound and headed toward Main Street and the entrance to the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge. He entered through the bridge’s northbound exit ramp and was driving south, Hartman said. Officers decided not to pursue him and instead observed his actions.

Salatto crashed his car between an oncoming van and the bridge’s concrete barrier.

Salatto, his passenger and the van operator were not injured. Salatto was wanted on five outstanding warrants from New Haven, Wallingford, North Haven and Guilford. He allegedly struggled with officers and was eventually arrested and charged with numerous motor vehicle violations, drug crimes and assault on a police officer.

His passenger Amy Folland, 36, of New Haven was arrested for possession of heroin.

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