Driver Struck Firefighter While Leading Cops On Chase, East Hampton Police Say

EAST HAMPTON, CT — A man was arrested after police say he led them on a chase and struck a firefighter.

East Hampton police received a report of a vehicle driving erratically as it entered town from Portland on Sept. 13.

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The speeding vehicle passed multiple vehicles in no-passing zones and created hazards for pedestrians and other vehicles, police said.

The vehicle continued through town and approached a road that been closed by the fire department due to an unrelated crash. The driver disregarded the road closure, striking one firefighter while narrowly missing several others, according to police.

Police coordinated with other area departments and used license plate recognition systems to identify the suspect.

Kendal Shelton, 28, is "well-known to the Meriden Police Department with 28 previous arrest convictions," police said.

He was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with engaging police in a pursuit, reckless driving, assault on a public safety employee with injury, evading responsibility with injury and other traffic charges.

Shelton was held on $30,000 bond and taken to Middlesex Court for his appearance.