MILFORD — A routine patrol at a local car meetup escalated into a pursuit and arrest on May 8, after Milford Police officers encountered a vehicle making illegal backfires and later discovered what appeared to be a firearm in the car.
Officers patrolling the area of 1376 Boston Post Road, where a car meetup had generated an increase in traffic, observed a black Acura TSX with Connecticut registration BK85549.
The car, driven by 19-year-old Kenneth Pagan, was seen slowing down in the middle of an intersection and intentionally creating loud backfires, a violation of state noise regulations.
During a motor vehicle stop, officers approaching Pagan’s vehicle spotted a potential firearm in the back seat.
When they attempted to further investigate, Pagan placed the car in drive and fled the scene, striking one officer and narrowly missing another as well as a patrol vehicle.
Authorities later tracked Pagan to his home at 541 Maple St in Bridgeport, where he was taken into custody without further incident.
The suspected firearm was determined to be a toy “gel blaster” gun.
Pagan is facing multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with officers, reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, causing unnecessary noise, and striking an officer with a motor vehicle.
Following his arrest, Pagan was held on a $40,000 bond, which he subsequently posted.
He is scheduled to appear in court on June 4.
