Driver Hits West Hartford Police Cruiser, Flees To Farmington, 2 Hartford Residents Charged: Police

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Two Hartford residents were charged Friday, Aug. 21, after police said a driver struck a West Hartford police cruiser while fleeing a traffic stop, leading officers on a pursuit that ended in Farmington.

Members of the West Hartford Police Department's Community Support Unit stopped a vehicle at about 10:14 a.m. that day in the area of 200 Prospect Ave., according to WHPD Capt. Aaron Vafiades.

Police said the driver attempted to flee and struck a police cruiser in the process.

The vehicle then fled onto Interstate 84 west and was located a short time later in Farmington, police said.

Both occupants left the vehicle and ran, according to the WHPD.

Police identified the driver as Angel Sanchez, 37, of Hartford.

Sanchez was taken into custody following a brief foot pursuit, according to police.

The passenger, identified as Ilda Cruz, 56, of Hartford, also fled on foot and was taken into custody, police said.

Sanchez was charged with misuse of plates, evading responsibility, reckless driving, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating without insurance, driving with a suspended license, engaging police in pursuit, interfering with a police officer, possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cruz was charged with interfering with an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both were released on bond and are scheduled to appear Sept. 3 in Hartford Superior Court.

Police did not report any injuries in the incident.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact West Hartford police at 860-523-5203. Anonymous tips can be submitted at 860-570-8969 or whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.