Dangerous New London County Police Chase Involves Large Knife, Injured Officer, Multiple Cars Struck

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, Sept. 15, multiple 911 calls were made to State Police Troop E in Montville, reporting a driver in a silver Chevy Express van hitting multiple vehicles in Montville, then fleeing the scene.

At approximately 1:45 a.m. Troop E officers were informed that New London Police had just been involved in a motor vehicle pursuit with a silver van.

“At this time, troopers began actively looking for the silver van,” state police said in a press release. “Further information revealed that the van involved in the pursuit with New London was most likely the same van involved in the earlier motor vehicle collisions. Troopers also learned that the van was reported to have intentionally struck other vehicles causing injury to another operator.”

A trooper observed the driver of the van allegedly attempting to run another vehicle off the road.

“The trooper took immediate action and attempted to stop the van,” according to state police. “The van refused to stop and a pursuit began. While being pursued, the operator of the van attempted to strike the trooper’s vehicle several times.”

Extreme Danger to the Public

Troopers deployed stop sticks due to the extreme danger the driver posed to the public, police said. Stop sticks are used to deflate tires with spikes.

The van’s tires were successfully deployed and the van was brought to a stop. The driver allegedly refused to leave the van and police said was actively assisting arrest.

He then reached for a large knife inside of the vehicle and a state K9 was deployed.

“The K­9 successfully apprehended the suspect without any injury to the K­9,” police said. “One trooper sustained minor injuries while attempting to take the suspect into custody. The suspect was evaluated and treated at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital.”

Arresting Information

Plainville resident John Bielawski, 63, was arrested on the following charges:

• Reckless Endangerment Engaging Police in Pursuit
• Assault 3rd Degree
• Threatening 2nd Degree
• Criminal Mischief 1st Degree
• Breach of Peace 2nd Degree
• Evading Responsibility
• Reckless Driving
• Criminal Attempt to Commit Assault on Police Weapons in a Motor Vehicle

He was issued a $50,000 bond and a Wednesday, Sept. 16, court date.

A History of Arrests

This is not the first time Bielawski has reportedly refused to stop for police. In 1994, he was arrested multiple times after an argument with his spouse. When officers approached his vehicle, he reportedly drove off.

In November 2014, Bielawski allegedly caused a disturbance at a credit union in Plainville, the Bristol Press reported. He reportedly swore at customers and was inconsolable. The police were called to the credit union but Bielawski allegedly left the scene and refused to stop for officers, ultimately allegedly swerving at a police officer’s car.

In January 2015, he was arrested on charges of interfering with an officer/resisting arrest and operating under the influence of drugs/alcohol.

(image via shutterstock)