Woman Injured After Police Chase, Shoplifting Attempt In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — A 31-year-old New Haven woman was injured Friday when she crashed her van while trying to elude Westport police following a shoplifting incident, according to authorities.

Hannah Howell suffered what police said appeared to be minor injuries in the two-vehicle crash, which occurred at about 2 p.m. No other injuries were reported.

According to Westport police, officers were sent to the Stop & Shop on the Post Road East on a report of two people stealing about $400 worth of items from the store.

"An officer on patrol was in the parking lot and approached the suspect vehicle in order to take the two involved parties into custody," wrote Westport Police Capt. David Wolf in a statement. "The male, who was in the driver’s seat, immediately complied with the officer’s commands and exited the van he was operating. The female, who was on the passenger side, jumped into the driver’s seat. As the officer attempted to prevent her from leaving, she accelerated and dragged the officer for a short distance."

The woman, later identified as Howell, sped away in the van westbound on the Post Road East, with police in pursuit. She crashed into another van at the intersection of Morningside Drive, and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

During the investigation, police temporarily closed a portion of the Post Road East on Friday.

The male suspect, identified as New Haven resident Garrett Sprouse, 45, was charged with:

• Conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny
• Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license

Sprouse was released after posting a $500 bond, and is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court at a later date.

Howell was charged with:

• Sixth-degree larceny
• Interfering with police
• Assault on a police officer
• Reckless driving
• Engaging in a pursuit
• Failure to obey a traffic signal

She was held in lieu of bail of $15,000, and is scheduled to in court at a later date.