Driver Struck Police Cruiser During Traffic Stop: West Haven Police

WEST HAVEN, CT — A driver was arrested after police said he intentionally struck a police cruiser while trying to flee a motor vehicle stop earlier this week in West Haven.

A patrol officer saw a gray Infiniti sedan with a stolen license plate traveling on Saw Mill Road near Hood Terrace on Monday night.

The officer positioned himself behind the Infiniti, which pulled into a private driveway, before a motor vehicle stop was conducted, according to police.

Police said the officer then activated his emergency lights in the fully marked police cruiser to initiate a motor vehicle stop.

The driver, later identified as Brian Abreu, put the Infiniti in reverse, and “deliberately backed into” the officer’s patrol vehicle, according to police.

“Abreu then placed the Infiniti in drive, and attempted to jump a curb and embankment in an attempt to elude police,” police wrote in a news release. “Abreu then placed the Infiniti in reverse several more times, intentionally ramming the officer’s police cruiser in an attempt to get away. Ultimately his attempts to flee failed.

“Numerous officers arrived on scene and conducted a high-risk motor vehicle stop at this time to which Abreu was taken into custody without further incident.”

Police said Abreu's female passenger had an outstanding arrest warrant with the New Haven Police Department.

Abreu was found to be a convicted felon, to have a suspended license, and in possession of four "Alprazolam" pills, and five "Suboxone" sublingual tablets, according to police.

Abreu was arrested on two counts of possession of a controlled substance (second offense) and one count each of assault on a police officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal attempt at engaging police in pursuit, criminal attempt at evading responsibility, possession of a stolen license plate, suspended license, no insurance, and unregistered motor vehicle.

He was held in lieu of a $75,000 bond, according to police.