By Connecticut State Police.
On Tuesday, 02/14/2023, at approximately 9:39 p.m., State Police received multiple 911 calls reporting an erratic operator traveling southbound on Interstate 95, over the Gold Star Bridge, which had just crossed into New London. Responding Troopers caught up to the vehicle, a 2008 Saturn Aura Xe, on Interstate 95 at Exit 82 in Waterford, where they observed the vehicle failing to maintain its lane, traveling between both the left lane fog line and the right lane fog line. When Troopers initiated a motor vehicle stop using lights and sirens, the accused vehicle failed to stop and engaged troopers in pursuit for approximately one mile before being boxed-in and brought to a controlled stop. As Troopers exited their vehicles, the accused operator attempted to flee by maneuvering his vehicle around their cruisers. Troopers quickly repositioned their cruisers and prevented the accused vehicle from leaving the scene.
Upon making contact with the accused operator, later identified as Kevin Harris, DOB 03/20/1979, of Essex, Troopers verbally directed him to exit the vehicle. Harris did not comply with verbal directives to exit the vehicle and began to actively fight with Troopers as they escorted him out of the vehicle. A struggle ensued in the right lane of the interstate, where Harris was ultimately secured in handcuffs and placed under arrest.
As Troopers interacted with Harris, they detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his person as well as other signs of possible impairment. Due to safety concerns, Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were not administered on the side of the interstate. Harris was transported to Troop E where he was offered several opportunities to participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, but declined to do so. As a result of this investigation, Harris was processed and charged with the following:
C.G.S. 14-223(b)**, Engaging Police in Pursuit
C.G.S. 14-223(a), Disobeying the Signal of an Officer
C.G.S. 14-227a, Operating Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
C.G.S. 53a-167a, Interfering With an Officer
C.G.S. 14-236. Failure to Maintain Proper Lane
Harris was held a $10,000.00 bond, pending his arraignment at New London Superior Court, on 02/15/2023.
Photo courtesy of CSP
