Hamden Woman Charged With DUI After Striking Police Cruiser At Stoplight: State Police

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden woman was arrested after police say she was operating under the influence, struck a state police cruiser that was stopped at a red light and then fled the scene Saturday night in North Haven. A state trooper was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Franklin Street in North Haven at about 8 p.m. on July 8 when the police cruiser was struck from behind by a vehicle operated by Sharon Stahl, 63, of Hamden, according to state police.

Police say the state trooper got out of the vehicle to speak with the other operator, but Stahl then fled the scene and ignored orders to stop. (To sign up for Hamden breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

The trooper eventually caught up with the vehicle and pulled it over. Stahl was found to be under the influence and arrested, according to police.

Both vehicles sustained minor damage in the crash, police said.

Stahl was arrested on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, evading responsibility, failure to obey signal of officer and traveling at an unreasonable distance apart. She was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on July 17.

Pictured: Sharon Stahl, 63, of Hamden/ Connecticut State Police