Impaired Man Charged After Fleeing Southington Police During Attempted Traffic Stop: SPD

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Police in Southington said an accused impaired driver who fled an attempted traffic stop Tuesday night was taken into custody minutes later in Plainville after a brief, multi-agency response.

Authorities identified the driver as Giordano Marcone, 37, of Wolcott.

He faces multiple charges, including engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving, operating under the influence, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, and drug-related offenses.

According to online court records, Marcone appeared in New Britain Superior Court Tuesday and was formally charged with: violating a traffic control signal; reckless driving, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, operating a motor vehicle with a hand-held electronic device, disobeying the signal of an officer, engaging police in pursuit, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, use of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and intervfering with a police officer/resisting arrest.

He is being held on a $25,000 bond and will next appear in court on May 13, according to online court records.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle around 8:32 p.m. on Queen Street after observing a traffic light violation, according to the Southington Police Department.

As officers approached, the driver accelerated northbound through a heavily traveled area.

Police said they did not pursue the vehicle but broadcast its description to nearby units and neighboring agencies.

During the incident, the driver traveled at a high rate of speed, ignored traffic signals, and drove through active traffic, creating “a significant and immediate risk to motorists, pedestrians, and responding officers,” according to the SPD.

Within minutes, Plainville police observed the same vehicle operating recklessly in their jurisdiction.

The driver again failed to stop, police said, but officers located the vehicle shortly afterward.

The driver attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody.

Police said the individual was apprehended safely within about 10 minutes of the initial attempted stop.

Police said the case reflects a growing public safety concern.

Southington officers reported a rise in eluding incidents from 24 in 2023 to 84 in 2024 and about 92 in 2025. The department has recorded 15 such incidents so far in 2026.

Officials said drivers may flee for reasons including suspended licenses, possession of illegal narcotics or weapons, or outstanding warrants, but emphasized that the behavior “poses a substantial and unnecessary risk to the public.”

Police credited coordination between agencies for the outcome and said they will continue proactive enforcement and regional collaboration to address fleeing incidents.