New Haven Man Charged After Fleeing Cops In Chase

NEW HAVEN, CT — Police caught a wanted driver after his car suffered a flat tire Friday night. The man and a passenger left the disabled car on foot and police followed, arresting both following a foot chase.

The incident started when a police officer spotted the driver—who had an active arrest warrant out—on Howard Avenue and Spring Street in the Hill neighborhood. Police said they had obtained a warrant for his arrest after the suspect drove at police officers and fled at a high rate of speed in February.

Brian Pendergrass, 25, was driving the same Hyundai Elantra on Friday night, according to police. Pendergrass fled from police, driving through several red lights, as he drove away, eventually headed toward Howard Avenue and York Street.

Police spotted Pendergrass' car on I-91 near north exit 3, which was disabled on the highway shoulder. Pendergrass and a female passenger were running from the car.

Pendergrass ran across a highway ramp and jumped down an embankment and onto a railroad track. Police soon located Pendergrass hiding under a motor vehicle on William Street near Bradley Street.

Police also detained passenger Ollige McInnis, 20, of Hamden.

Pendergrass was transported to the hospital for treatment of a minor injury and was later released.

He was charged Friday with second-degree reckless endangerment, reckless driving, second-degree trespassing, and interfering with an officer. He was also charged in connection with the February incident for second-degree reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and interfering with an officer.

He was released on $120,000 bond.

McInnis was charged with interfering with an officer. She was released on a written promise to appear.