On Wednesday, 11/27/2024, at approximately 10:11 AM, a Trooper assigned to Troop H-Hartford was on-duty, working the Aggressive Driving/Fatal Accident Mitigation on I-91 northbound in the area of exit 12 in North Haven. The Trooper observed a white Toyota Camry, displaying New York plates, traveling at a high rate of speed. The Trooper clocked the vehicles speed at 94mph.
Upon observing this behavior, the Trooper activated their emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop near Exit 12. The operator failed to comply, accelerating rapidly utilizing all lanes of traffic. The vehicle drove into the shoulder and gore area of the highway, nearly striking other vehicles in an attempt to elude Troopers. It was at this time that the Trooper observed the vehicle reach speeds up to 126 mph. In the interest of public safety, the Trooper deactivated their emergency lights and siren and terminated efforts to pursue the vehicle. The vehicle continued traveling northbound on I-91 at a high rate of speed.
After obtaining the registration details, and through investigative efforts, Troopers responded to a residence in West Haven, where they spoke with immediate family members of the operator. The family members confirmed that the driver of the Toyota was Oliver Thomas (DOB: 03/27/2000), of West Haven. Family members were able to contact Thomas, who admitted to driving the Toyota at the time observation was observed. Thomas met with Troopers to turn himself in at approximately 12:48 PM.
Thomas was arrested without incident. Thomas was transported to Troop H for processing where he was charged with the following violations:
C.G.S. 14-222 - Reckless Driving
C.G.S. 14-223(a)* - Disobeying a Signal of an Officer
C.G.S. 14-233 - Passing on the Right
C.G.S. 53a-167a - Interfering with an Officer/Resisting
C.G.S. 14-236 - Failure to Maintain Lane
C.G.S. 14-244 - Improper Turn
C.G.S. 53a-63 - Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree
Following arrest processing, Thomas was released on a $10,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled for arraignment at Meriden Superior Court on 12/20/2024. Please see the attached criminal information summary.
