Man Charged With DUI, Evading Police: Waterford PD

WATERFORD, CT - Waterford police said a Colchester man was arrested Wednesday on charges of driving under the influence and evading officers. The suspect also had two juveniles with him at the time of the incident, according to police.

Police said officers attempted to stop James Charland, 48, after witnessing him driving erratically on Hartford Road. The suspect slowed his Chavrolet pickup truck, made an abrupt illegal U-Turn, crossed over a median and fled, according to police.

Police said the suspect ran a red light, striking another vehicle, and continued on without stopping. The occupants of the victim vehicle refused medical treatment at the scene, police said.

Police said officers subsequently located the truck, which was heavily damaged and unoccupied. Officers began to search the area with assistance from both East Lyme and state police.

Police said the suspect was located in a wooded area between Hartford Road and Vauxhall Street Extension.Officers also located two juveniles, who were unharmed, police said.

Charland was identified by police as the driver of the truck and subsequently arrested on a number of charges, including reckless driving, evading, risk of injury to a minor, child endangerment while driving under the influence and weapons in a motor vehicle among other charges.

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