Driver Tried To Run Officer Off The Road: North Haven Police

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A driver is accused of trying to run an officer off the road as police were trying to conduct a motor vehicle stop of several ATVs Sunday in North Haven, according to officials.

A patrol officer was trying to conduct a motor vehicle stop of several quads, along with a pickup truck that was carrying a quad, in the area of Maple Avenue around 5:15 p.m. on June 23, according to police.

“While attempting to stop the ATVs / vehicles, a blue sedan interjected itself into the stop, attempting to block the officer from his original stop,” police wrote in a post on Facebook. “At one point the blue sedan almost runs our officer off the roadway. At this point the sedan became the focus our attention and was pursued. The sedan operated recklessly and ultimately North Haven officers lost sight of it in New Haven. A short time later the vehicle was located in New Haven on Davenport Avenue.”

Police said the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Jose Andres Rodriguez-Diaz, was taken into custody and transported back to North Haven. Rodriguez-Diaz is a convicted felon, according to police.

Rodriguez-Diaz was charged with attempted assault of a police officer, reckless driving, engaging in pursuit, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, no insurance, misuse of plates, and operating under suspension.

“We are thankful nobody was hurt and appreciate the assistance from the New Haven Police Department,” police wrote.