On 10/15/2024 at approximately 6:46 PM, a Trooper assigned to Troop L in Litchfield responded to Route 8 in the area of exit 41 to meet a complainant reporting a road rage incident which had just occurred on Route 8 in the area of exit 38 in Thomaston.
Upon the Trooper's arrival to the scene, they met with the complainant who explained that they entered Route 8 South from the I-84 Westbound exit 20 off-ramp when a red Chevrolet Silverado displaying a Connecticut registration unsafely merged into their lane. The complainant reported that as they continued traveling northbound, passing several exits, the driver of the Chevy repeatedly brake-checked them. The complainant indicated that they swerved into the right lane to avoid a collision when the Chevy brake-checked them, while the driver of the Chevy simultaneously slowed down alongside them in the left lane. It was at this point that the complainant reported that the driver of the Chevy rolled down the passenger-side window, pointed a firearm in their direction, and attempted to force them off the road by swerving into the right lane. In response, the complainant maneuvered around the Chevy and merged into the left lane to pass it. At that moment, the driver of the Chevy rolled down the driver's side window and pointed the firearm at them again. The complainant explained that shortly after, the driver of the Chevy rolled the window up and exited the highway via the exit 39 off-ramp. Following this, the complainant pulled over and called 911 to report this incident. The complainant also provided the vehicle's registration plate.
A DMV query indicated that the Chevy was registered to a residence in Torrington. Troopers responded to this address and spoke with the homeowner, who informed them that their family member, Matthew Bielefield (DOB: 08/07/1991), is the primary operator of the Chevy and currently resides in Winchester. Troopers, along with Winchester Police Officers, proceeded to the Winchester address and located the Chevy parked in the driveway. At this address, they made contact with Bielefield, who was subsequently arrested and transported to Troop L for processing. During the on-scene investigation, Troopers seized a Byrna pepperball gun which was later submitted as evidence. Bielefield was processed on the following charges:
C.G.S. 14-222; Reckless Driving
C.G.S. 29-38; Illegal Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle
C.G.S. 53a-181; Breach of Peace 2nd Degree
C.G.S. 53a-61aa(a)(3; Threatening 1st Degree- Displaying a Firearm
Following arrest processing, Bielefield was released on a $50,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled for arraignment at Torrington Superior Court on 10/28/2024.
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