North Haven Man Accused of Driving Fake Police Motorcycle in Hamden

Hamden police arrested a North Haven man for allegedly running a red light on a motorcycle that was made to look like a police motorcycle with a siren and flashing red and blue lights.

Nicholas Ferrucci, 21, of 23 Leighton Street in North Haven, faces several charges following an incident on Sept. 10 in which Detective William Onofrio observed a motorcycle, which was equipped with a siren and flashing red and blue lights, proceed through a red control signal at the intersection of Whitney Avenue and Washington Avenue, according to a police press release.

Police said that the motorcycle had the word “POLICE” written on the front, rear and side of it.

Onofrio observed the motorcycle continue onto James Street with its equipment activated. The operator of the motorcycle (Ferrucci) eventually stopped the bike at Legion Field, according to the release.

Investigation revealed that Ferrucci’s motorcycle was unregistered and uninsured. Further investigation revealed that the motorcycle was equipped with a siren, red/blue LED emergency warning lights and a digital camera which was mounted on the handle bars.

Officers learned that Ferrucci’s actions nearly caused two motor vehicle accidents, according to police.

Ferrucci was arrested on charges of second-degree reckless endangerment, reckless driving, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating without insurance, traffic control signal violation and unauthorized lights and flashing lights.

Ferrucci, who was released after posting a $1,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in court in Meriden on Sept. 24.

Police also said that they have received numerous reports that an individual has conducted motor vehicle stops using a facsimile police motorcycle and the investigation is continuing.

(Pictured: Nicholas Ferrucci and the motorcycle, at right, that he was driving. Photo courtesy of the Hamden Police Department)