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Connecticut State Police responded at 10:43 a.m. Monday to Chase Bank at 775 Main St. on a report of a woman being forced by a man, later identified as Claude Williams of Waterbury, to withdraw money from her bank account, police said.
While he was waiting for the victim in his car, Southbury Police and troopers from Troop A responded to the scene after being notified by bank employees, according to police.
Williams fled in a Chevy Cruz upon seeing officers, refusing to stop, then engaged police in a pursuit, said police.
The pursuit lasted about nine minutes, during which time Williams drove around local roads in Southbury and on I-84, according to police.
The chase ended when Williams crashed his car into the center median concrete curb at the end of the Exit 15 off-ramp, police said.
The impact of the crash broke the driver's side front wheel off the axle of Williams' car, according to police.
Officers also found narcotics in Williams' possession when he was arrested, according to police.
There are no reported injuries to the female victim or to Williams, who knew each other, said police.
Williams was arrested without incident and charged with:
- operating a motor vehicle when registered or license is refused, suspended or revoked;
- reckless driving, not greater than 85 mph;
- engaging police in pursuit;
- illegal possession of narcotics;
- third-degree larceny;
- second-degree robbery;
- first-degree reckless endangerment;
- first-degree kidnapping; and
- first-degree unlawful restraint.
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