Crime & Safety
Trooper Intentionally Crashed Into Car During Chase: IG
A trooper and a sergeant have had their police powers suspended pending the results of an investigation.
NORWICH, CT — An investigation is underway after a trooper intentionally crashed into a fleeing vehicle in Norwich, according to state police.
State police said in a statement that a trooper "may not have complied with the Statewide Pursuit Policy."
The Office of the Inspector General said the incident concerns a high-speed chase Nov. 24, 2025.
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The pursuit began when police spotted a 2006 Honda Accord speeding and driving erratically on Route 2A in Montville. The car also had a license plate from a different vehicle. The trooper believed the driver may have been intoxicated, and the chase reached speeds of up to 120 mph.
The pursuit continued onto Route 2 in Norwich when another trooper deployed stop sticks. The stop sticks deflated one of the Accord's tires, but the chase continued at lesser speeds.
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The trooper then asked for authorization to intentionally strike the Accord to end the chase using a "pursuit intervention technique," which involves the police cruiser striking the fleeing vehicle in the rear corner, causing it to spin and come to a stop.
A sergeant granted permission. The trooper struck the fleeing Accord's rear quarter panel at speeds of over 75 mph, according to the Office of the Inspector General.
The collision didn't stop the Accord, so the trooper struck it again. This led to the Accord's driver losing control of the car before he struck a guardrail and came to a complete stop.
No injuries were reported. The driver and passengers of the fleeing vehicle were arrested on motor vehicle and drug charges, police said.
The trooper and sergeant have had their police powers suspended pending the results of the investigation, according to state police. Both have been placed on administrative duty.
"Investigation into the use of deadly physical force and the troopers' subsequent conduct in this incident is ongoing," the Office of the Inspector General said.
Dashboard camera video of the pursuit and crash is available by clicking here and here.
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