Man Tries to Run Over UConn Cops

STORRS, CT — Charges are expected for a man with a history of mental health problems tried to run over UConn police officers with his car, a university spokesman said.

At about 3 p.m. on Wednesday, University of Connecticut police received a report about a driver yelling from his car at pedestrians near Mansfield Road on the Storrs campus, UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said.

Officers located and stopped the vehicle nearby, but the driver sped at them and tried to hit them with the car as they approached on foot to speak with him, Reitz said.

The officers were able to get out of the vehicle's path and were not injured, but the driver ran the vehicle into a tree before speeding off, Reitz said.

Motorists bgan calling police shortly after to report seeing the driver operating his car erratically on several nearby residential roads, Reitz said. Police learned that the driver was a Mansfield resident with a history of mental health problems that may be contributing to the incident, Reitz said.

He was found, stopped and was taken to an area hospital for evaluation, Reitz said.

Charges are expected to be filed against the man, Reitz said.

State Police and other area agencies assisted in tracking the man down after he sped off campus.

As of Thursday morning, the man had not been charged.

Patch File Photo