Man Tries To Get Inside Police Vehicle: East Lyme Police

EAST LYME, CT — Police said a West Haven man is accused of attempting to get inside the driver's seat of a police car, and "Apparently, he thought it would be his get-away-car."

At 2:20 a.m. Friday, East Lyme police were investigating a woman who was operating a vehicle while impaired, police said. She was later arrested for DUI.

While the woman was being tested for impairment on the side of Colton Road, her male passenger was speaking to a second officer, police said.

"The male then dove into his vehicle and began reaching under the seat," police said. "He ignored commands to stop, and began to fight officers who were attempting to restrain him. A struggle ensued and the man pushed his way towards a marked police vehicle. He wrestled with officers while attempting to get into the driver’s seat of the police car. Apparently, he thought it would be his get-away-car."

After refusing to cooperate and continuing to escalate, K9 partner Dom was deployed, police said.

The individual was safely taken into custody and is now facing multiple charges, police said.

"The patrol car remains exactly where it belongs," police said. "Pro tip: Police vehicles are not available for public checkout, and arguing with a K9 is a losing strategy every time."

Westley Hough, 28, from West Haven, is charged with interfering with an officer, and criminal attempt to commit larceny of a motor vehicle. He is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond. A New Haven woman was charged with driving under the influence.