Police Cars Struck During Pursuit

Several police cruisers were struck Tuesday afternoon during a pursuit in the Dixwell Avenue area that ended with an arrest in New Haven.

Officer Mark Gery tried to stop a car for motor vehicle violations at about 5 p.m. June 21 in the area of Dixwell Avenue and Mather Street, according to police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith.

Rather than pull over, the driver took off, Smith said, hitting a car in the process in front of 2301 Dixwell Ave. The car then changed direction, heading south on Dixwell, Smith said, and struck three police vehicles trying to stop him.

The chase then proceeded to Treadwell Street, Leeder Hill Drive and Newhall Street before the car struck a tree just over the New Haven line, Smith said.

The driver, who police identified as Trevor Smith, fled on foot but was quickly captured, police said.

Trevor Smith, whose address was unavailable, was charged with reckless endangerment, criminal attempt at assault on a police officer and several motor vehicle charges.

He suffered a rib injury, according to police, and was held in lieu of $100,000 bond. No one else was injured in the incident, police said.