Suspect Accused Of Leading Westport Police On Chase

WESTPORT, CT — A 29-year-old Mount Vernon, New York man was arrested on a warrant this week in connection with a police pursuit incident in Westport in January.

On Monday, Khauhi Tobias was extradited from Westchester County Jail in New York back to Westport, where he was charged with reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, illegal window tinting and five counts of first-degree reckless endangerment.

According to Westport police, the incident occurred on Jan. 13, when Tobias passed a patrol officer, and the officer's license plate reader showed that Tobias, owner of the vehicle, was wanted by authorities.

"The officer initially located the vehicle parked within one of the lots of the Saugatuck Railroad Station," said Lt. Anthony Prezioso in a statement. "Prior to contact with the operator, the vehicle exited the lot, driving towards and around the officer who was attempting to speak with him. The officer broadcast these developments to other officers in the
area. The vehicle then proceeded to Riverside Avenue, traveling northbound toward an active construction zone staffed by five workers. This work had reduced the roadway to one narrow lane of alternating traffic. Prior to reaching the work zone, the initial officer activated his emergency lights and siren and attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop."

Tobias ignored the order to stop, and additional patrol officers showed up to try to apprehend him, according to Prezioso.

"The suspect vehicle did not stop, attempting first to make a U-turn, but ultimately turning back northbound where it drove off the shoulder of the road, jumping a curb, a sidewalk and proceeding over a retaining wall into a private parking lot to get around the work zone and in an apparent effort to evade officers," Prezioso said. "Further pursuit was discontinued after this maneuver, however an arrest warrant was sought and granted for the registered owner of the vehicle, identified as Khauhi Tobias."

Once Westport police discovered that Tobias was at the jail in Westchester, they started extradition efforts, which culminated in Monday's arrest.

Tobias was initially held in lieu of bail of $35,000, but his arraignment at Stamford Superior Court, he was released on a promise to appear, and is scheduled back in court on April 27.