Felon arrested after ramming police cruiser in West Haven

WEST HAVEN — A convicted felon was arrested Monday evening after ramming a police cruiser multiple times in an attempt to flee, authorities said.

Brian Abreu faces multiple charges, including assault on a police officer, after the incident that began around 8 p.m. on Saw Mill Road near Hood Terrace, according to the West Haven Police Department.

An officer on patrol spotted a gray Infiniti sedan with a stolen license plate and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

The vehicle pulled into a private driveway, where Abreu allegedly put the car in reverse and deliberately backed into the officer’s patrol vehicle.

Police say Abreu then tried to jump a curb and embankment to escape.

When that failed, he repeatedly reversed into the police cruiser.

Additional officers arrived and conducted a high-risk vehicle stop.

Abreu was taken into custody without further incident.

Authorities found Abreu in possession of four alprazolam pills and five suboxone sublingual tablets.

He also had a suspended license.

A female passenger in Abreu’s vehicle had an outstanding arrest warrant from the New Haven Police Department.

Abreu was charged with assault on a police officer, two counts of possession of a controlled substance (second offense), possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal attempt at engaging police in pursuit, criminal attempt at evading responsibility, possession of a stolen license plate, driving with a suspended license, operating without insurance, and driving an unregistered motor vehicle.

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