Man Speeds Off Ferry In Truck, Nearly Hits Officers In New London

NEW LONDON, CT — A New York man is accused of nearly striking police officers while driving his truck off the Cross Sound Ferry, NBC CT reported. Police responded to a call about a possible intoxicated driver at about 1 p.m. Thursday in New London.

When officers arrived, Robert L. Lechner, of Greenport, NY is accused of speeding off the ferry in his truck and narrowly missing the police officers.

Ledyard police later spotted Lechner on Route 117 and attempted to pull him over. The truck stopped when officers approached, but Lechner then allegedly accelerated, again nearly hitting the police officers, according to NBC CT.

He then sped onto Colonel Ledyard Highway, making his way to I-95. Other police departments were alerted, and Lechner was caught when Ledyard police deployed stop sticks on Mirra Drive in Groton, WTNH News-8 reported.

Lechner was charged with first-degree criminal attempt to commit assault, criminal attempt to commit assault on a peace officer, reckless driving, and engaging police in pursuit. He was held on $150,000 bond.

Lechner is wanted by Mohegan Tribal Police for first-degree larceny and will face additional charges from other area police departments, according to WTNH News-8.