Newington PD ID's Fleeing Driver Who Hit Cruiser; Warrant Sought: UPDATE

NEWINGTON, CT — Newington police were asking for the public's help identifying the driver of a vehicle that allegedly struck a police cruiser twice while fleeing an attempted traffic stop Tuesday afternoon.

But later in the day Wednesday, the Newington Police Department said it has identified the suspect involved in the July 21 incident in which a driver intentionally struck an NPD patrol vehicle before fleeing the scene.

"The suspect was identified through the department's investigation with the assistance of the FLOCK Safety camera system, which provided investigators with critical information leading to the identification," wrote the NPD in a statement. "We will be applying for an arrest warrant for the suspect through the New Britain Superior Court."

According to the Newington Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 4:22 p.m. July 21 in the parking lot of the Dollar Tree, 40 Cedar St.

Police said an officer attempted to stop a white Honda Accord after observing multiple motor vehicle violations.

The officer also recognized the vehicle as matching the description of one that had previously fled from police.

According to the department, the officer positioned the patrol cruiser in front of the Honda and activated the vehicle's emergency lights and siren.

Police allege the Honda then accelerated forward, intentionally striking the patrol cruiser in an apparent attempt to escape.

The driver then reversed and accelerated forward a second time, again striking the cruiser before maneuvering around it and fleeing the scene.

No injuries were reported.

The vehicle was described as a white Honda Accord with a tinted license plate cover displaying California license plate 7JMV266, which police said does not match the vehicle.

Investigators also said the Honda appeared to have a lowered suspension and a black front passenger-side fender.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the vehicle or its driver is asked to contact NPD Officer Richard Petoskey at rpetoskey@newingtonct.gov or 860-666-8445, ext. 5.