Westport Police Chase: Suspect Charged In Assault On 2 Officers, Pursuit

WESTPORT, CT — Two Westport police officers suffered injuries Tuesday morning following a high-speed pursuit through the center of town, according to officials.

The injuries are considered minor and occurred after the suspect crashed the vehicle he was driving, fled on foot and then fought with officers during his arrest.

"The suspect has been identified as Tracey Edwards, 02/10/73, out of Bridgeport," wrote Westport police in a statement. "Once he is released from Norwalk Hospital, he will be photographed and processed for Larceny, Engaging in Pursuit and Assault on an Officer. Other charges may arise as the investigation continues."

Following the incident, Edwards was transported to Norwalk Hospital for evaluation based on his behavior. He was released from the hospital into police custody at about 2 p.m.

The incident began at about 9:30 a.m. when officers were dispatched to OptiCare, located at 877 Post Road East, "to check the welfare of a male who was in the store and appeared disoriented."

While en route, officers learned the male had stolen a pair of glasses and left the store, and as officers arrived, drove off in a gray Pontiac at a high rate of speed.

"Officers then pursued the vehicle westbound on Post Road East. The vehicle was traveling fast through the center of town so the pursuit was terminated as it was too dangerous. A short time later, officers located the suspect vehicle on Imperial Avenue which crashed off the road near the river. The suspect was seen running from the crash, and a foot chase ensued."

Once officers caught up with the suspect on Imperial Avenue near Baker Avenue, he "actively resisted arrest while punching and kicking the Officers."

After a struggle, the officers were able to gain control of the suspect and take him into custody.

One Officer suffered an injury to his face and the other Officer suffered a hand injury, but as mentioned earlier, both injuries appear to be minor.

Edwards was charged with:

• Larceny, 6th degree
• Assault on a Police Officer (2 counts)
• Possession Hallucinogen (Vehicle was searched and approximately 1 ounce of PCP located)
• Engaging Police in Pursuit
• Reckless Driving
• Evading Responsibility of Motor Vehicle Crash
• Operating a Motor Vehicle under Suspension

He is being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond, and is also wanted by United States Marshals for Violation of Supervised Release.