On Wednesday, 10/5/2022, Troopers from Troop C responded to a report of a one-car motor vehicle collision in the area of Route 190 (Buckley Hwy) and Michelec Road, at the Union/Stafford town line. As Troopers were responding, witnesses reported that the vehicle's operator had fled from the area on foot, allegedly leaving three passengers behind at the scene.
K9 Drago and his handler responded and tracked for total of approximately 3 miles, before he stopped pulling on his leash. The handler observed K9 Drago's tail wagging frantically as he was sitting on the evading operator, who was laying face down in the brush. The handler heard the evading operator, positively identified as, Joseph Marengo, DOB 01/04/1990, of Southbridge, Massachusetts, surrender and K9 Drago was recalled. Marengo was taken into custody without further incident or injury. Marengo was then transported to Troop C in Tolland, where he was charged with the following:
C.G.S. 14-236 Failure to Drive in Proper Lane
C.G.S. 14-36(a) Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License
C.G.S. 14-224 Evading Responsibility
C.G.S. 53a-167a Interfering with an Officer and
C.G.S. 21a-267 Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Marengo was later released on a $5000.00 bond and is scheduled for arraignment at Rockville Superior Court, on 10/12/2022.
