On 09/21/2024 at approximately 11:10 AM, Troop G in Bridgeport began receiving several 911 calls reporting a large gathering of Harley Davidson style motorcycles traveling in an erratic manner on I-95 Southbound in the New Haven area. Utilizing DOT traffic cameras, Troop G dispatch personnel located a large group of motorcycles (approximately 100+) traveling on I-95 Southbound in the area of exit 46 in New Haven.
While monitoring these motorcyclists through the DOT cameras, Troop G dispatch personnel observed several motorcycles performing various stunts and blocking all travel lanes on I-95 Southbound in the New Haven, West Haven, Orange, Milford, and Stratford area.
As Troop G personnel monitored the events through the DOT cameras, they observed a white GMC Denali pickup truck displaying a legible Connecticut registration traveling in the left lane, leading the pack of motorcycles. Additionally, they observed a male party in the rear bed of the truck, who appeared to be unsecured, filming the operation as several motorcycles were continuously engaging in wheelies and stunts.
Surrounding Police Departments were notified of the street takeover in progress as Troopers began responding to the area. A Trooper positioned themselves on the exit 33 entrance ramp on I-95 Southbound in an attempt to intercept the gathering. Troop G dispatch personnel maintained a visual on the GMC pickup through the traffic cameras and observed the GMC utilizing the left shoulder to pass other vehicles as the group continuously overtook and created a hazard to various motorists on the highway.
Once the entire group began approaching the Trooper’s location, the Trooper merged onto the highway and positioned their cruiser directly behind the GMC pickup in the center lane. While behind the vehicle, the Trooper observed a Go-Pro style camera mounted on the rear of the GMC’s tailgate and determined there was no longer an unsecured passenger in the bed of the truck. The Trooper also observed the GMC to have a power sliding rear window, making it possible for a passenger to enter and/or exit into the bed of the truck while the vehicle is in motion. The Trooper immediately identified the GMC’s displayed Connecticut registration matching the registration observed through the traffic cameras by Troop G dispatch personnel. The Trooper then engaged their emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle. Simultaneously, a number of motorcycles began to surround the Trooper’s cruiser, intentionally interfering with the Trooper’s efforts to stop the GMC and at times almost striking the cruiser. The operator of the GMC failed to stop and continued to travel Southbound on I-95 at a high rate of speed. To avoid a potential risk to the public and involved parties, the Trooper deactivated their cruiser’s emergency lights and siren and disengaged from the vehicle.
Troop G personnel continued to track the large group through the traffic cameras, as they approached the New York state line on I-95. New York State Police were advised of the approaching group and successfully stopped the GMC Denali on I-95 Southbound in Mamaroneck, NY. A CT State Trooper arrived on scene with NYSP and identified the operator as Shaun Puglia, DOB 02/16/1998, of West Haven. The passenger, identified as Ryley Lewis, DOB 03/12/1996, of North Haven, was determined to be the unsecured passenger in the rear bed of the truck who filmed the event earlier. While on scene, the Trooper observed two commercial style cameras in the backseat portion of the truck, which appeared to be covered with clothing items likely trying to prevent law enforcement from observing them. Additionally, the Trooper observed several motorcycle spare tires in the bed of the truck. Due to the traffic stop having occurred in the State of New York, the Trooper encouraged both Puglia and Lewis to turn themselves in to the Troop G barracks for partaking in the street takeover event.
At approximately 2:17 PM, Puglia and Lewis arrived in the same GMC Denali to the Troop G barracks to turn themselves in.
Puglia and Lewis were both arrested in the Troop G lobby and escorted to the processing area. During arrest processing, both Puglia and Lewis did not deny their involvement with the group of motorcycles. Puglia claimed to be unaware that the CT State Trooper was trying to pull him over.
Puglia was charged with the following violations:
C.G.S. 53a-63, Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree
C.G.S. 53a-181, Breach of Peace 2nd Degree
C.G.S. 53a-167a, Interfering with an Officer
C.G.S. 14-222, Reckless Driving
C.G.S. 14-223(a), Disobeying a Signal of an Officer
C.G.S. 14-224(c(2(D), Knowingly Inciting in a Street Takeover
Puglia was released on a $30,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled for arraignment at Bridgeport Superior Court on 10/02/2024.
Lewis was charged with the following violations:
C.G.S. 53a-181, Breach of Peace 2nd Degree
C.G.S. 14-100a(c)(1), Failure to Wear Safety Seat Belt
C.G.S. 14-224(c(2(D), Knowingly Inciting in a Street Takeover
Lewis was released on a $20,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled for arraignment at Bridgeport Superior Court on 10/02/2024.
Shaun Puglia
Ryley Lewis
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