SHARE

CT Man Caught After Dragging Trooper 20 Feet In Motorcycle Escape: Police

A Connecticut motorcyclist who police say dragged a state trooper 20 feet during an attempted escape from a traffic stop sending the officer to the hospital has been arrested after a months-long investigation.

Kelvin Miranda

Kelvin Miranda

Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police

Kelvin Miranda, 23, of East Hartford, was arrested last week, four months after a dramatic incident in Mansfield, Connecticut State Police said.

A trooper patrolling Routes 195 and 275 around 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 heard motorcycles revving their engines and went to investigate. He spotted the bikes and pulled them over at Betsy Patterson Square in front of EO Smith High School. 

The motorcyclists said something to one another and the other biker sped away, police said. 

Miranda jumped back on his motorcycle to escape, but the trooper grabbed him. Miranda dragged him about 20 feet before the bike stalled, according to the report. Miranda then repeatedly tried to restart the engine despite commands to stop.

The trooper managed to pull Miranda off the bike, but in the struggle, the motorcycle fell onto the officer's knee, pinning his leg beneath it. Miranda turned and ran away. The officer attempted to give chase but injuries from when the machine fell on him kept him from running. 

The injured trooper was taken to Windham Hospital for treatment.

Miranda fled to the University of Connecticut campus and blended in with students to avoid capture. UConn police later found surveillance footage of him and distributed photos to the community, noting a distinctive neck tattoo.

A tip from someone who recognized Miranda led police to his address. Troopers arrested him on Friday, Jan. 17.

Miranda faces multiple charges, including reckless driving, assault on public safety personnel, and reckless endangerment in the first degree. Officers also learned he was driving with a suspended license and without insurance.

He is being held on a $75,000 bond, authorities said.

to follow Daily Voice Branford and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE