Pursuit Ends on I-91 in Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — A police pursuit which began in Massachusetts ended on the southbound side on Interstate 91 in Hartford late Tuesday morning, closing that side of the highway temporarily and reducing travel to one lane of traffic.

According to Connecticut State Police, the incident involving a gun began in Springfield, Mass. and involved a driver who struck four or five Massachusetts and Connecticut police cars, causing minor injuries. His vehicle was eventually stopped at Exit 32 at the I-84 interchange and the driver was taken into custody following a taser deployment.

Ian James, 34, of Hartford, was charged with four counts of second-degree assault with a motor vehicle, first-degree reckless endangerment, weapons in a motor vehicle, operating under the influence, engaging police in pursuit, third-degree criminal mischief and numerous motor vehicle violations.

Bond was set at $250,000, and James is scheduled to appear Wednesday in Enfield Superior Court.

Around 11:45 a.m., troopers began allowing southbound traffic to proceed on the far right side of the highway.

Photo courtesy of DOT traffic cam