WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — State Police said a Naugatuck man is facing several charges after a pursuit last night injured a trooper.
Police said they had received a call for an erratic driver on I-84 east of exit 34 in Plainville. Reports stated that a Ford F-350 had been swerving through all three lanes and almost struck other drivers.
Troopers were able to catch up with the driver, 36-year-old Daniel Rapuano, by exit 40 in West Hartford, and pulled him over. According to police, TFC Kenneth Dillon approached the truck giving verbal commands and had to step on a running board to open the door.
That's when police said Rapuano took off in the truck, throwing Dillon into the middle lane of I-84.
Rapuano reportedly was approaching a heavy traffic area and troopers forced a collision to get him to stop. TFC Dillon caught up with Rapuano and struck the right-rear of the truck, causing Rapuano to spin out into the center median by exit 43.
No injuries were reported to Rapuano and he was arrested and charged with:
- DUI
- Operating under the influence
- Failure to drive in the proper lane
- Engaging in a pursuit
- Assault with a motor vehicle
- Assault 2nd
- Assault on a police officer
- Reckless endangerment
- Reckless driving.
Rapuano was held on a $250,000 bond. TFC Dillon was taken to Hartford Hospital for their injuries.