State Police Chase, Capture 2 In Stolen Car In East Lyme

EAST LYME, CT — Two Connecticut residents in a stolen car led state police troopers on a high-speed chase on I-95 southbound early Friday, which ended with their capture at exit 72 in East Lyme, according to state police officials. Through the course of the pursuit, the suspect "intentionally collided with two state police cruisers," but no injuries were reported.

State police had deployed troopers in the area for DUI enforcement through the 4th of July holiday weekend when the troopers spotted the speeding vehicle, clocking it at 88 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone.

"Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, however the operator refused to stop," wrote Trooper First Class Kelly Grant in a statement. "Troopers also learned that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Middletown. An Old Lyme police officer deployed Stop Sticks which disabled the vehicle, however the operator continued driving before eventually being stopped by troopers."

The operator of the vehicle, John Rogers, 28, of Hartford was charged with:

• Engaging police in a pursuit
• Disobeying an officer's signal
• Reckless Endangerment, first degree
• Interfering with an officer
• Illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension

The passenger, Staci Trudeau, 34, of Moosup, is accused of stealing the vehicle and was charged with third-degree larceny.

Rogers, who was on parole at the time, was held in lieu of bail of $100,000 and was scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court on July 6; Trudeau was released after posting bond on bail of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court on July 20.

Photo 1: John Rogers; Photo 2: Staci Trudeau. Photo credit: Connecticut State Police

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