Internal Investigation Underway Into Pursuit that Led to Crash

A internal investigation is underway which will look into the police pursuit early Tuesday morning that led to a car crash in New Haven that injured the resident who lives there.

“After reviewing the circumstances of this incident, I have directed the Ethics and Integrity Unit to immediately begin a comprehensive and thorough internal investigation to determine if any department policies, rules, or regulations were violated by the police personnel involved in the pursuit," said Police Chief Thomas Wydra.

At about 12:30 a.m. a Hamden police officer tried to stop a SUV on Bowen Street for a motor vehicle violation, Wydra said. 

"The vehicle refused to stop for the officer and eventually led the officer on a lengthy pursuit in Hamden and New Haven, as well as on Interstate 95," Wydra said. That pursuit included the area of Southern Connecticut State University, which is in New Haven just over the Hamden line.  

"At one point during the pursuit, a police supervisor attempted to deploy “stop sticks” in an attempt to stop the vehicle, but was unsuccessful," Wydra said.  "The police supervisor was nearly struck by the vehicle after deploying the 'stop sticks.'"

The pursuit ended when the SUV struck a house at 91 Winchester Ave. in New Haven, Wydra said. The car struck the house and ended up in a bedroom atop the man living there.

The New Haven Fire Department worked for more than an hour to free the man, identified as Michael Sweat, 34, and he was taken to the hospital.

The SUV driver fled the scene and Hamden Police are still trying to identify him. The investigation remains open, Wydra said.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the resident of 91 Winchester Ave. who was injured during the incident for a speedy recovery," Wydra said.  "

He declined to comment on details of the pursuit.

"The department will not be releasing any further public comment on this incident in an effort to protect the integrity and objectiveness of the internal investigation process,” he said.