On Tuesday, 10/22/24, at approximately 10:28 PM, personnel from Troop B- North Canaan were dispatched to the area of Route 63 in Goshen for an erratic operator reportedly driving on a blown-out tire. The reporting party provided the vehicle registration to Troop B, at which time it was learned that the Newington Police Department was looking for this vehicle in conjunction with an active investigation, suspected to be operated by a Raymond Cortez (DOB 11/18/89), of New Britain. Furthermore, it was learned that the Torrington Police Department was also looking for this vehicle, which had reportedly left the scene of a motor vehicle accident.
At approximately 10:45 PM, a Trooper observed the vehicle traveling south on RT 63 in Goshen. The Trooper observed that the vehicle had crossed over the double yellow lines multiple times, was operating at or below the speed limit, and was clearly being driven on nothing more than the rim on the right front wheel. The Trooper activated their emergency lights and siren to effect a traffic stop, however the operator failed to comply and continued on RT 63 southbound. In the interest of public safety, Troopers disengaged from the vehicle and pursuit efforts were terminated.
At approximately 11:35 PM, the vehicle was located abandoned on Route 4 in Goshen, in the middle of the eastbound lane. A K9 track was initiated and the operator was located a short distance from the scene at approximately 12:03 AM. The operator was positively identified as Raymond Cortez, who was subsequently arrested. Cortez was uncooperative with Troopers upon his arrest, attempting to manipulate his cuffed hands to the front of his body. Cortez advised Troopers that he had a medical issue and felt faint, to which EMS personnel were summoned to the scene. Cortez was transported to an area hospital for treatment while in State Police custody. A search of Cortez's vehicle following arrest led to the discovery of a large hunting knife with an 8-inch blade. It was also learned that Cortez's license privilege was under suspension.
Upon his discharge at approximately 2:40 AM, Cortez was transported to Troop B where he was processed on the following charges:
CGS 14-215; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under Suspension
CGS 14-222; Reckless Driving (Knowingly Operating w/Defective Equipment)
CGS 14-223(a); Disobeying Signal of an Officer
CGS 29-38; Illegal Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle
CGS 53a-167a; Interfering with an Officer/Resisting
Cortez was held on a $5,000 bond and scheduled to appear at Torrington Superior Court on 10/23/24. Newington PD and Torrington PD were both advised of Cortez's arrest. Please see the attached criminal information summary.
