Conn. Police Officer Hurt after Biker Allegedly Struck Them at Street Takeover
By Justin Muszynski
Source Hartford Courant
What to know
- West Haven police responded to a large illegal street takeover involving dirt bikes and ATVs, and an officer was intentionally struck by a juvenile on a dirt bike.
- Another officer had to jump out of the way of an ATV after she and another officer were surrounded by participants in the takeover.
- Three people were arrested, and charges include assault on an officer, first-degree riot and multiple motor vehicle offenses.
Two adults and a juvenile were arrested following a chaotic street takeover involving a large group of dirt bike and ATV riders on the Connecticut shoreline where one officer was struck and another had to jump out of the way to avoid a collision, police said.
The West Haven street takeover was discovered Sunday just after 7 p.m. on Captain Thomas Boulevard where officers working the shore patrol detail found a large group of riders reportedly performing wheelies, speeding and driving in the wrong lane, according to Sgt. Scott Allard of the West Haven Police Department.
One of the dirt bikes was going very fast with what appeared to be a “young juvenile” riding on it, Allard said. When police tried to stop the operator they allegedly refused, he said.
Police were able to stop the dirt bike shortly after and apprehend the driver, who was not identified because of his age, Allard said. As he was stopped Allard said he intentionally drove at a police officer, striking their legs and injuring them.
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Street Takeover Attendees Jump on, Damage Conn. Police Cruiser
- An Ansonia police officer was surrounded by a group of people while responding to an illegal street, and at least one person jumped on the hood of the officer's cruiser.
“This act was a deliberate attempt to avoid an apprehension,” Allard said in a statement.
According to Allard, two officers during the incident became surrounded by a group of riders who returned to the area and allegedly circled around them. As the juvenile was being handcuffed, Allard said, one of the ATV riders drove over a curb and intentionally tried to hit an officer. She had to jump out of the way to avoid a collision.
The ATV rider was apprehended following a brief pursuit that ended when the operator lost control and struck a parked car, according to Allard. The ATV also reportedly damaged a police cruiser.
Allard said police identified the individual who tried to run over a police officer as 29-year-old Gabriel Luna of Bridgeport. At the scene, police also found a 41-year-old Lindsay Benitez — the mother of the juvenile who was arrested — who appeared “visibly upset about the situation,” Allard said. The investigation found that Benitez had been the passenger on the ATV driven by Luna as he allegedly tried to strike the officer, according to Allard.
Luna faces charges of first-degree riot, engaging in pursuit, conspiracy to commit a street take over, conspiracy to commit assault on a public safety officer, failure to insure a motor vehicle and a number of motor vehicle offenses. He was held in custody and was expected to appear in Milford Superior Court on Monday.
Benitez is charged with interfering with police and conspiracy to commit a street takeover.
The juvenile who was arrested is charged with assault on an officer, conspiracy to commit a street take over, conspiracy to commit first-degree riot and motor vehicle offenses.
Allard said the dirt bike and ATV were seized by police.
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