On Saturday, 02/01/25 at approximately 7:47 PM, Troop H- Hartford was notified by the Massachusetts State Police of a stolen vehicle traveling south on I-91 into Connecticut. MSP advised Troop H that the vehicle failed to stop for MA Troopers and pursuit efforts were terminated prior to the state line.
Troop H broadcast the stolen vehicle, which was described as a green 1999 Toyota Corolla bearing MA registration plates. Shortly thereafter, Troopers from Troop H observed this vehicle traveling south on I-91. Due to the fact that the operator of the stolen vehicle failed to stop for MSP, Troopers initially followed the vehicle without lights or sirens activated. As Troopers began to approach the boundary of the Troop I area on I-91, it was learned that Troopers from Troop I were on scene with a motor vehicle accident near exit 10 which had all three travel lanes completely shut down.
Utilizing the congestion ahead to prevent the suspect from fleeing, Troop H personnel attempted to box in the stolen vehicle prior to exit 10. Upon doing so, the operator began driving evasively, swerving around the Troop H cruisers. A Troop I unit was staged ahead in the right shoulder, prior to the stopped traffic.
Upon approaching the stopped traffic ahead, Troop H units utilized their cruisers across all three lanes to block in the stolen vehicle. Troopers exited their cruisers and gave verbal commands for the operator to exit, to which he refused. The operator of the stolen vehicle subsequently drove in reverse and struck multiple stopped vehicles, including two Troop H cruisers. The operator then put the vehicle back into drive and drove into the right shoulder, striking the parked Troop I cruiser and another vehicle stopped in traffic in the right lane. The Troop I unit immediately followed and activated their emergency lights and siren signaling the operator to stop. The operator continued to disobey signals to stop and cut into traffic from the right shoulder, colliding with other stopped vehicles in continued efforts to elude capture. Due to the slow moving traffic that the operator had now entered, a stop stick was successfully deployed on the driver side front tire of the Corolla. The Corolla eventually became grid locked between the left lane and metal beam guardrail along the center median.
Shortly thereafter, the operator exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot towards the median. One of the Troop H units on scene deployed K9 Nash, who successfully apprehended the suspect. The K9 bite caused the suspect to lose his balance and fall to the ground, at which time he was arrested by Troopers on scene. The suspect, who was later identified as Rolando Garcia (DOB 10/21/81), of Holyoke, MA, was transported to an area hospital for minor injuries sustained from the K9 bite. No injuries were reported amongst those struck by Garcia in traffic, to include CSP personnel. In total, nine (9) vehicles were struck. It was learned during the course of the investigation that Garcia's MA license was under suspension.
Upon his discharge, Garcia was transported to Troop I, where he was processed on the following charges:
CGS 14-222; Reckless Driving
CGS 14-223(a); Disobeying Signal of an Officer
CGS 14-232(a)(1); Improper Passing/Unsafe Distance
CGS 14-233; Passing on the Right
CGS 14-236; Failure to Maintain Proper Lane- Limited Access Highway
CGS 14-36a(c); Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Without License
CGS 53a-119c; Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
CGS 53a-167a; Interfering with an Officer/Resisting
CGS 53a-63 Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree (9 counts)
Garcia was held on a $150,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at Meriden Superior Court on 02/03/25. Please see the attached criminal information summary.
