Norwalk Police Officer Injured By Fleeing Drunk Driver: Police

NORWALK, CT — A 41-year-old Norwalk man is facing a host of charges after he injured a Norwalk police officer while fleeing from a drunk driving arrest early Saturday, according to authorities. The suspect eventually led officers from three law enforcement agencies on a high-speed chase on I-95 into Bridgeport where he was apprehended.

The identity of the injured officer was not disclosed, but the officer had to be transported to Norwalk Hospital by ambulance after the 12:38 a.m. incident. The injuries are considered to be non-life threatening.

According to Norwalk Police Lt. Terrance Blake, the incident began on Main Street in Norwalk at the intersection of Wall Street as the officer was stopped at a traffic light.

"The officer observed a motorist pull around his vehicle into to the left turn only lane of Main Street and drive through the red light while making a right turn," stated Blake, adding that the officer then pulled over the driver, later identified as Terrance Parker, on Wall Street.

"The vehicle's registration was suspended and Parker's license was suspended. Parker also smelled of alcohol and became belligerent when the officer told Parker his vehicle was being towed. The officer told Parker to hand over his car keys however Parker started the car, placed it in drive and accelerated. The vehicle struck the officer, who was at the driver's side, knocking the officer backwards. Parker fled the scene at a high rate of speed and was initially able to elude capture."

Police circulated information about Parker's vehicle to area police departments, and a short time later a Westport Police Officer spotted the vehicle traveling eastbound on I-95, Blake said.

"Parker refused to stop for the Westport Officers and engaged them in a pursuit. Parker was eventually apprehended on Boston Avenue in Bridgeport with the assistance of the Westport Police, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police."

Parker, who resides on County Street in Norwalk, was charged with the following:

• Assault on a Police Officer
• Interfering with a Police Officer
• Operating Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
• Operating Under Suspension
• Failure to Obey Traffic Control
• Failure to Carry Insurance

He was held in lieu of bail of $100,000 and is scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on May 12.