Police Officer Struck By Car: Milford Police

MILFORD, CT — A Bridgeport teen is accused of hitting a Milford police officer with his vehicle, police said.

On May 8, officers were patrolling the area of 1376 Boston Post Road as there was a car meet up resulting in a higher volume of vehicles, police said.

As an officer was traveling on East Town Road, a black Acura TSX bearing CT registration plate BK85549 was observed traveling westbound on Route 1, police said.

The vehicle was then observed slowing down in the middle of the intersection and creating a backfire which is when the operator of the vehicle intentionally creates multiple backfires creating unnecessary noise, police said.

"A motor vehicle stop was conducted and as officers approached the vehicle, they observed what appeared to be a possible firearm in the back seat," police said in a news release. "At this time, while officers tried to identify the possible firearm, the operator, later identified as Kenneth Pagan, 19, placed the vehicle in drive and took off at a high rate of speed striking one officer and nearly striking another as well as a patrol vehicle."

Investigation led officers to respond to Pagan’s residence in Bridgeport shortly after, where they took him into custody, police said. The firearm was found to be a toy “gel blaster” gun, police added.

Pagan was charged with 2 counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with officers, reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, causing unnecessary noise, and striking an officer with a motor vehicle.

He was released after posting a $40,000 bond and is due to appear in court on June 4, 2024.