Driver Nearly Strikes Officer, Engages In Pursuit; Later Found With Heroin, Cocaine: North Haven Police

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A 30-year-old East Haven man faces numerous charges after police say he nearly struck an officer and engaged in a pursuit Monday morning in North Haven. At about 9:35 a.m. on April 24, officers responded to a report of a vehicle stopped in the roadway in front of 51 Middletown Avenue in North Haven, according to police.

The first arriving officer noted the vehicle had front-end damage and was on the wrong side of the road. (To sign up for North Haven breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Police said the operator of the vehicle, who was later identified as Jonathan Finkle, refused to comply with officer’s commands to exit the vehicle. As a second officer arrived and approached the vehicle, Finkle suddenly accelerated the vehicle in reverse and almost struck the officer, according to police.

The vehicle fled north on Middletown Avenue with officers in pursuit. Once entering into East Haven, North Haven Police called off the pursuit and Finkle was seen traveling on side streets.

East Haven Police assisted in the search and Finkle was taken into custody on Eddon Drive.

Finkle was found to be in possession of heroin and crack cocaine, according to police. He was charged with assault on a police officer, possession of narcotics, engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving, and operating under suspension. Finkle was held on bond pending an appearance in Meriden Superior Court.

Image via Shutterstock

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