On Thursday, 10/24/24 at approximately 10:05 AM, a Trooper assigned to Troop G- Bridgeport was patrolling I-95 southbound in Milford near exit 40. The Trooper was driving in the left lane when they were passed in the center lane by a white Volkswagen Jetta with heavily tinted windows. The Volkswagen merged back to the left lane in front of the Trooper, at which point the Trooper began to clock the vehicle's speed. The Trooper observed speeds at and exceeding 87 mph during this time, while the vehicle continued to accelerate, made multiple unsafe lane changes and abruptly exited I-95 using the exit 35 off ramp. A DMV query of the vehicle's registration showed that it had been expired since June 2023.
The Trooper followed the vehicle into the parking lot of a business on Bridgeport Avenue in Milford and activated their emergency to effect a traffic stop. The Trooper made contact with the vehicle operator and sole occupant, who was identified as Maria Diaz (DOB 12/14/2001), of Vernon, by her CT Learner's Permit. Diaz asked the Trooper why they were following her, at which point the Trooper advised Diaz that she was stopped for her speed previously observed on I-95. Diaz became argumentative with the Trooper and claimed she was not speeding and they did not have a reason for stopping her.
A second Trooper arrived on scene shortly after the interaction with Diaz began. Diaz was asked to step out of the vehicle, at which time she exited the vehicle, walked to the passenger side and attempted to re-enter the vehicle from the rear passenger side door. Diaz was given clear verbal commands to stop, and she refused to comply. The second Trooper on scene attempted to take control of Diaz by the arm, at which point she pulled away and continued efforts to re-enter her vehicle from the rear passenger side door. Both Troopers subsequently took control of Diaz's arms, at which point she was advised that she was under arrest. Diaz continued to physically resist while being placed in handcuffs and began to kick at the Trooper's legs.
Diaz was subsequently transported to Troop G, where she was processed on the following charges:
CGS 14-12(a)*; Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
CGS 14-222; Reckless Driving
CGS 14-36(a); Operating Without a License
CGS 14-99g(b); Tinted Auto Glass Requirements
CGS 53a-167a; Interfering with Police/Resisting
Diaz was later released from custody on a $2,500 bond and is scheduled to appear at Milford Superior Court on 11/14/24. Please see the attached criminal information summary.
