On Tuesday, 10/15/2024 at approximately 8:00 PM, Troop I-Bethany began receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a vehicle, described as a silver Mazda displaying New Hampshire registration plates, being driven erratically. The vehicle was reported to have entered I-691 Eastbound via exit 7 from I-84.
Troopers in the area posted on the exit 3 on-ramp in an effort to intercept the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, Troopers spotted a vehicle matching the callers' description and merged onto the highway to begin following the Mazda. While doing so, the Trooper observed the Mazda failing to maintain its lane on several occasions. Based on these observations, the Trooper activated their emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. In response, the driver began to accelerate, engaging Troopers in a pursuit. As the pursuit continued, Troopers observed the Mazda strike several traffic cones within the right shoulder prior to exit 1, before colliding with the metal beam guardrail. Despite this impact, the vehicle continued traveling eastbound, increasing its speed to 75MPH in a posted 50MPH zone as it approached the Route 66 connector. Moments later, the vehicle spun out and in the center median on Route 66, hitting a stationary speed limit sign. The operator managed to regain control of the vehicle and continued eastbound on Route 66 before merging Southbound onto Baileyville Rd in Middlefield. While following the Mazda, Troopers observed it repeatedly fail to maintain its lane, swerving into the northbound travel lane and endangering other motorists.
The Mazda eventually merged Northbound onto Jackson Hill Rd, where Troopers successfully brought the vehicle to a stop by boxing it in with their cruisers. Troopers exited their vehicles and tactically positioned themselves around their cruisers to issue directives to the operator. The operator complied, exiting the vehicle without incident and was subsequently detained in handcuffs. The operator was positively identified as Gavin Robert Bean (DOB: 07/09/2003), of Portsmouth, NH. Bean was advised of his rights, and the investigating Trooper proceeded to question him about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Bean told Troopers that he was returning home after visiting family in Pennsylvania and was unaware that he was in Connecticut. Bean also admitted to actively eluding police. At the scene, several empty and open alcohol containers were observed inside the Mazda, and the tires showed significant wear with very little tread remaining.
During their interaction, Bean exhibited signs of impairment and was asked to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. The handcuffs were temporarily removed in order for Bean to complete the testing. Bean ultimately failed to perform the testing to standard and was taken into State Police custody. Bean was transported to Troop F- Westbrook where he was processed and charged with the following violations:
C.G.S. 14-98; Improper Tires
C.G.S. 14-223(a); Disobeying Signal of an Officer
C.G.S. 14-224(b)(3); Evading Responsibility w/ Property Damage
C.G.S. 1-227a; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
C.G.S. 14-236; Failure to Drive in Proper Lane
C.G.S. 53a-167a; Interfering w/ an Officer
C.G.S. 53a-63 Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree
Bean was held on a $100,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled for arraignment at Middletown Superior Court on 10/16/2024.
