Vernon, CT – A Stamford man was taken into custody Thursday night following a high-speed pursuit that began in Massachusetts and continued onto Interstate 84 in Connecticut, where state police say he allegedly drove recklessly before being stopped in Vernon.
According to Connecticut State Police, troopers were alerted shortly after 8 p.m. by Massachusetts authorities that a black Nissan Frontier had crossed into Connecticut after engaging troopers in pursuit. Once in Tolland County, multiple 911 calls were received reporting erratic driving.
Troopers said they spotted the vehicle traveling below the speed limit but swerving between lanes near exits 69 and 68. When police attempted a traffic stop, the driver allegedly accelerated to speeds above 90 mph before briefly returning to normal speeds. Units were positioned further west along I-84, where troopers deployed stop sticks near exit 65 in Vernon, successfully deflating the vehicle’s tires.
Police said the driver attempted to evade capture by colliding with a barrier and driving into the median before finally coming to a stop. No injuries were reported, and the suspect surrendered without further incident.
The operator was identified as 39-year-old Jeffrey Lauture of Stamford. A search of his vehicle uncovered a loaded handgun with a high-capacity magazine, which was seized as evidence.
Lauture faces multiple charges including reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, evading responsibility, and illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle. Additional counts include criminal possession of a pistol, reckless endangerment, and using a cellphone while driving.
State police said Lauture was held on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Rockville Superior Court on Friday. The Massachusetts State Police were notified of his arrest.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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