NAUGATUCK, Conn. — Three people are in custody after a Naugatuck police officer was injured in an incident on Route 63 near High Street Thursday afternoon.
The officer was directing traffic at an extra duty traffic post in the area of 561 South Main Street when they were struck by a car fleeing a nearby Walmart, where police responded to reports of a shoplifting, officials said.
The suspect, later identified as Francis Ibell, ran from officers before being apprehended a short time later. He was charged with Robbery, Larceny, and Interfering with an Officer and Possession of Drugs. His bond was set at $500,000.
Officials determined a grey 2006 Honda Ridgeline was the getaway vehicle waiting on Ibell.
The Honda fled the scene and encountered the officer, who signaled for the car to stop. However, the driver accelerated. The officer sustained fractures to both legs and will need surgery. Witnesses on scene told police the act was intentional.
Naugatuck PD identified the injured officer as Lt. Mark Pettinicchi. The 47-year-old lieutenant is a veteran on the force with over 19 years of service, officials said Friday.
Lt. Pettinicchi sustained a shattered left ankle, a fractured right tibia, and a fractured right ankle.
According to a release, additional officers responded to the area and the Honda led them on a pursuit from Route 8, to Waterbury, Wolcott, back through Waterbury, Route 8, and Interstate-84 westbound before it was stopped on I-84 in Middlebury.
The individuals in the car discarded drugs, money, and a .380 pistol from the vehicle during the chase, police said. The items were later recovered by officers.
Officials said two additional people, the getaway car driver and passenger, were arrested Thursday.
Police identified the driver as 29-year-old Stanton Trent, of New Haven. He was charged with the following:
- Robbery 1st
- Assault 1st
- Possession of Drugs with intent to sell (2cts)
- Reckless Endangerment 2nd
- Reckless Driving
- Engaging Police in Pursuit
- Carrying a Pistol without a Permit
- Weapon in MV
- Larceny 6th
Trent's bond was set at $1 million.
The passenger was identified as 25-year-old Asia Paulin, of Waterbury. She faces two counts of Conspiracy at Possession with intent to sell and Carrying a Pistol without a permit charges. Her bond was set at $300,000.
Officials said all three suspects were arraigned in Waterbury Court on Friday.
Route 63 has since reopened following an investigation.
Naugatuck PD said they seized over $14,000 in cash, 412 bags of heroin, 11 grams of cocaine and a loaded .380 pistol. An investigation into the origins of the pistol remain ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Naugatuck Police at 203-729-5221 or the confidential tip line at 203-720-1010.
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