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The incident began in New London County, on northbound I-395 in Griswold, when someone called 911 saying another driver had displayed a gun during a road rage incident at around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8.
Connecticut State Police said troopers located the suspect’s BMW SUV a short time later near exit 24, but the man refused to stop.
They continued following him as he crossed into Windham County and exited I-395 in Plainfield. He nearly struck another trooper head-on along Route 14 in Canterbury, police said.
The pursuit continued west for a total of 29 miles, passing through the towns of Scotland and Windham, before finally ending in Columbia.
When the vehicle stopped, both the driver and a male passenger took off running.
Troopers arrested the driver a short time later. He was identified as 19-year-old Hartford County resident Jadin Coakley, of New Britain.
The vehicle had been stolen from Fairfield County, in the town of Ridgefield, and had drugs and a gun inside, according to police.
Troopers were unable to locate Coakley’s passenger but have since learned his identity. He was not named because he is a minor.
Coakley is charged with the following:
- Illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle
- Interfering with an officer
- Reckless endangerment
- Threatening while armed/displayed firearm
- Larceny
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Engaging police in pursuit
- Reckless driving
Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Connecticut State Police at 860-848-6500 or this email address.
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