Officer Struck by Fleeing Driver; Narcotics Found

Cops cordoned off a portion of West Rock Avenue Tuesday night across from Edgewood Park as a Hamden police canine joined their search for a possible weapon that may have been discarded from a fleeing suspect. 

Neighbors reported seeing as many as ten squad cars lining the street as police conducted the search in thick brush between homes.

According to Lt. Doug Harkins, the incident began at 8:48 p.m., after cops stopped the driver of a large SUV, a Chevrolet Tahoe, for which the registration did not check out. 

The vehicle operator appeared overly nervous and possibly inebriated. During questioning, the driver put the car in gear, grazing a police officer as he sped off according to Harkin. After a pursuit of the fleeing vehicle onto Central Avenue and then Yale Avenue, the driver turned onto West Rock Avenue, where he pulled the vehicle to the side of the road, then fled on foot.

A nearby resident with operating security cameras invited police to view a video that seemed to show a gun-like object in the hand of the fleeing suspect, before he was apprehended behind homes a short time later.

The non-compliant suspect and police officer Elizabeth White were taken to St. Raphael branch of Yale-New Haven Hospital, and released after treatment for minor injuries. The suspect was arrested and taken to jail.

Lt. Harkins noted that while a gun had not been found at the scene during the initial search, some narcotics they suspect may be PCP, were found.

Officer White, who had been placed in an ambulance, appeared to be in good spirits as she chatted with fellow officers that had gathered around. The investigation continues.